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TIH :ej 



HOT SPRINGS 



AS THEY ARE. 



A HISTORY AND GUIDE 



By CHAKL.ES CUTTER. 



LITTLE KOCK, ARK.: 
W. H. WINDSOR, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. 

1874. 



Entered, according to Act of Cougreas, in the year lfc74, 

By CHARLES CUTTER, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, ut Washington, D. C. 



14 

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DEDICATED 



west. AFFLICTED INVALIDS bast. 

Of Onr Country, 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



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PREFACE. 



In presenting this little book to the public, the Author disclaims 
any pretensions to literary aspirations, desiring only to give a plain 
statement of facts, as they appear to him, in language readily under- 
stood by all. 

Having been a sufferer for man}' years with Catarrh (Ozena), and 
being greatly benefitted by the use of these waters, with full confi- 
dence of being entirely cured by the continued use of them, he is 
desirous of making more generally known the wonderful cures here 
secured, for the benefit of suffering humanity. 

In making quotations from others, he has used matter most avail- 
able, and that which is considered reliable by those best qualified to 
judge. 

The reader, by the use of this book as a guide, can save dollars 
for every dime invested. The need of such a book has long been 
felt by invalids from distant States, who were unable to get any re- 
liable information without writing to some individual, and then only 
such as could be embodied in an ordinary letter. The Physicians of 
Hot Springs have received and answered thousands of these letters 
annually, and the labor to answer all was so great, that some of them 
resorted to the publication of a circular letter. 

This being the authors first effort, he hopes the criticisms will be of 
a friendly nature, that will enable him to make improvements in his 
next edition. The Author. 



THIS 

HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE 



THE HOT SPRINGS. 

The Hot Springs of Arkansas have the merited reputation of being 
one of the Wonders of the World, and will well pay a visit for 
pleasure and sight-seeing alone. 

These Springs are situated on the mountain, the creek and in the 
valley of the same name, fift3 r -five miles southwest from Little Rock, 
the capital of the State, and twenty-one miles from Malvern, (the 
nearest railroad station) on the Cairo and Fulton Railroad. 

The curative qualities of these waters are sufficient to give them a 
world-wide reputation. There are hundreds of thousands of afflicted 
human beings whose diseases have baffled the most skillful physi- 
cians, that can with the intelligent use of these natural medicated 
waters, be cured and returned, a blessing to their homes and families. 
It is conceded that these Springs, for man) 7 diseases, far excel Baden 
Baden and all the celebrated springs of the new and old world. 

They issue forth from the western slope of the Hot Spring Moun- 
tain, (a spur of the Ozark Mountain), at an elevation of 1300 to 
1400 feet above the level of the sea ; the most of them from 50 to 
100 feet above the level of the valley, and a few near the margin of 
the creek. 

In 1860, Prof. D. D. Owen, in his report, only gives forty-two as 
the whole number of springs, and old citizens inform me the num- 
ber has increased one or two annually for several years, and now 
they number fifty- seven. They have a temperature ranging respec- 
tively from 93 deg. to 150 deg. Farenheit, and make a natural dis 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



charge of three hundred and thirty-five gallons every minute, or four 
hundred and eighty-two thousand four hundred gallons every day. 

If these waters were all concentrated, they would supply 19,296 
persons daily, allowing twenty five gallons for each individual. 

The time is not far distant when the present supply of these in- 
valuable waters will be in demand, judging from the progression of 
the last eight years. 

Strangers in visiting the hot springs on the mountain side, and ex- 
amining the water, form an idea that hot and cold springs exist with- 
in a few feet of each other; in fact, this is a popular impression with 
many of the citizens. 

The pools known as Rahl Holes, Corn and Mud Baths, are supplied 
by two streams of water : one hot, direct from one of the springs ; 
the other cold, from, what many suppose to be cold springs, but 
they are only pools of water of low temperature, cooled by being 
exposed to the air and by continuously seeping into and flowing from 
these pools, they appear very much like regular springs. They, 
however, answer the same purpose of cold springs in supplying cool- 
ing waters for these baths, to which those who cannot afford to pay 
for batning are obliged to resort. Many bathe in them through 
choice, believing them to be more efficacious. 

A proprietor of one of the bath houses, in showing me the spring 
from which he obtained his cooling water, supposed it was a cold 
spring, but on testing it with a thermometer, it proved to be 93 deg*. 
Fahrenheit, though it is cold by the time it reaches the tanks back of 
the bath house. 

The cold spring back of the business house of Messrs. Horton & 
Harris, from which most of the neighborhood obtain their drinking 
water, is supposed, by some of the best informed citizens, to be sup- 
plied by a stream from the hot fountain which, in passing a long dis- 
tance near the surface, is cooled before it reaches the spring or open- 
ing from which it issues. 

These Rahl Holes, mentioned above, are enclosed by a common 
board fence, to serene the bathers from public view, and are resorted 
to bj* hundreds. Some very remarkable cures have been effected by 
bathing in these pools and drinking the hot water, without the advice 
of physicians or the use of medicine. Any one who will visit these 
pools a few times, and see the unfortunate human beings that bathe 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



in them, will at once be impressed with the importance of some 
charitable institution, which should be sustained by the State or Gov- 
ernment, where these unfortunates can be provided with proper treat- 
ment. 

The waters from the springs flow into a beautiful mountain stream, 
twenty to thirty feet wide, and cause a slight vapor to rise from its 
surface. In the hottest springs an egg can be cooked in fifteen min- 
utes. All the springs on the east side of the creek (with one ex" 
ception) are hot, and all on the west side (except the Alum spring) 
are cold. 

Scientists have estimated, from physical evidences everywhere to 
be seen in the vicinity of the springs, that they have been flowing 
for twenty- three hundred }ears. 

Most of the springs are covered with plank or stone, some lew 
cemented, and the water conveyed from them through wood or iron 
pipes to the bathing houses, in the valley below. These pipes and 
troughs cross and recross each other on the mountain side in all 
directions, reminding one of a railroad map of the thickly settled 
sections of the West. The water is first conveyed into large tanks 
in the rear of the bath houses, from which it is drawn through smaller 
iron pipes to the bath tubs as needed. 

So many of them are at an elevation of 50 to 100 feet above the 
valley, that a large supply can be had for the highest buildings that are 
now (or may be) built in the valley ; and the convenience of having a 
bath in the rooms of the invalid will some day be enjoyed. 

The Indians who inhabited the whole western and southwestern 
country were all familiar with the curative value of these waters. 
Most all the tribes of the Mississippi basin sent bands of their sick 
to these Springs to be cured of diseases that their greatest medicine 
men were unable to control. They would live a camp life in the 
valley and bath in the pools of hot water, until all were able to re- 
turn to their respective tribes. It was not an uncommon sight as 
late as fifty years ago to see Indians here from a half dozen different 
tribes. Many romantic traditions have been handed down by these 
aborigines, and many suppose they are the Fountain of Youth 
for which Ponce D'Leon searched in vain throughout Florida and 
the South. 

I copy the following from the report of Prof. David Dale Owen, 
published in 1860 : 



10 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

"In June of 1858, I made a partial examination of the waters of 
the Hot Springs, by boiling down one and a half gallons of the 
water, and found the contents, approximately, reduced to one gallon, 
as follows : 

Grammes. 

Organic matter combined with some moisture 1.16 ^ 

Silica withjsome sulphate of lime not dissolved by water... 1.40 

Bicarbonate of lime 2.40 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 0.50 

Chloride of potassium , 0.04 

Chloride of sodium 0.218 

Oxide of iron and a little alumina 0.133 

Sulphate of lime dissolved by water 0.350 

Loss, Iodine? Bromine? 0.053 

6.254 

" In the winter of the same year, Dr. Elclerhorst, then Chemical 
Assistant to the Survey was instructed to collect a sufficient number 
of gallons of the water to make an accurative qualitative analysis in 
my laboratory. 

" During January of 1859, he made an analysis of the solid con 
tents in 1000 grammes of the water from the spring that gushes out 
near the base of the cliff of calcareous tufa behind the Pavilion, 
being the most northerly of the main group, mostly resorted to by 
invalids for drinking, and known generally as the 'Arsenic Spring,' 
under the supposition that it contained arsenic. This popular notion 
is not, however, confirmed b} r the chemical analysis. For 200 
grammes of the calcareous deposit, in which it is more likely to be 
detected than in the quantity of water that could be conveniently 
subjected to analysis, failed to give any precipitate in the acid solu- 
tion of that substance with sulphuretted hydrogen, which proved not 
only the absence of arsenic, but of lead, antimony, and in fact, all 
other metals precipitable in any acid solution by sulphuretted h} r dro- 
gen, which includes, indeed, all the metals but Iron, Zinc, Cobalt, 
Nickel, Manganese, Uranium and the four rare acid producing 
metals, Chromium, Tantalium, Niobium and Pelopium ; among this 
latter group of metals, only a veiy small percentage of Iron was 
found to be present, in the form of bicarbonate of the protoxide of 
iron, which is deposited, by long standing, as a dark brown sediment, 
which, except at one of the springs, is so incorporated with the 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THET ARE. 11 

great mass of the carbonate of lime and siliceous earths, forming 
the cliffs and crusts of tufa, as to be undistinguishable to the eye. 

"Dr. William Elderhorst's analysis of 1000 grammes of the so- 
called 'Arsenic Spring,' is here inserted : 

Grammes. 

Lime 0.059024 

Silicates 0.045600 

Sulphuric acid 0.019400 

Magnesia 0.007629 

Chlorine 0.002275 

Sopa 0.004650 

Potash 0.001560 

" In this analysis, the carbonic acid united with a portion of the 
lime and magnesia was not estimated. 

"The silicates, which were left undissolved on treating the residue 
obtained by evaporating the waters to dryness in a platina capsule, 
with hydrochloric acid, were fused with a mixture of carbonate of 
soda and potash, and qualitatively examined. They were found to 
contain Silica, Lime, Magnesia, Iron and Manganese. 

"The quantity operated on was too small to determine the propor- 
tions by weight. 

" In the early part of August, 1860, I made a complete analysis of 
the spring on the hill, No. 1 

"The solid contents obtained by evaporating 1000 grammes (one 
litre) of this water to dryness, were separated into the portion solu- 
ble in water, and that soluble only in hydrochloric acid, and the acids 
and bases in each (except hydrochloric in the acid solution) sepa- 
rately determined. 

" In another portion of the same quantity of water evaporated to 
dryness, with a little hydrochloric acid, the total quantity of bases 
were estimated, and in a third portion the acids were determined. 

w ' The sediment found in the bottom of the bottle containing the 
water was also examined. 

" From these various analyses the following results were obtained : 

" The total quantity of matter, from 1000 grammes of this water, 
weighed 0.1518 grammes ; of which 0.0018 was organic matter, which 
burnt oft by ignition, emitting an odor like that from burning peat.* 

* Where the water is concentrated, or the solid extract treated with water, before this organic 
principle is burnt off, the sokition has a yellow color imparted to it by the presence of this sub- 
stance. 



12 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

This organic principle is, probably, appocrinic acid, which was united 
with the oxide of iron ; but the quantity obtained, from the amount 
of water operated on, was insufficient to demonstrate its properties 
sufficiently to enable me to decide positively on its identity with that 
organic acid. 

"After the organic matter was burnt off, 0.15 of saline matter re-^ 
mained. Of this, 0252 grammes were soluble in water, and 0.1268 
insoluble in water. 

" The sediment at the bottom of the bottle weighed, when dry, 
0.0300. This lost, by ignition, 0.0048, which was mostly organic 
matter, similar to that held in solution. The residue, 0.0252, gave 
up, to hydrochloric acid, 0.0092, which was mostly carbonate of 
lime, with a little oxide of iron, which had existed partly as carbon- 
ate of iron and iron combined with the orgaic principle ; and a trace 
of carbonate of magnesia. There remained 0.016 insoluble in 
hydrochloric acid, which was at first a deep chocolate-brown color^ 
and turned of a red ochre-color, after ignition. This proved to be 
mostly silica, with a little sulphate of lime, tinged with oxides of 
iron and manganese. 

" The various analyses gave in the sediment : 

Organic matter (appocrinic acid?) 0.0048 

Carbonates of lime ; a little oxide of iron, which existed 
partly as carbonate of iron, and partly combined with 
the organic acid, and a trace of carbonate of magnesia.. 0.0092 
Silica, with a little sulphate of lime, tinged with oxides of 

iron and manganese 0.0160 

0.0300 

" The part of the matter soluble in water after evaporation to dry- 
ness and ignition : 

Magnesia 0.0040 

Soda 0.0120 

Potash 0.0030 

Chlorine 0.0060 

Sulphuric acid 0.0002 

0.0252 

" The part insoluble in water, after evaporation to dryness, and 
before ignition : 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 13 

Organic matter (appocrinic acid ?) burnt off by ignition.. 0.0018 

Silica and silicates, insoluble in acids 0.0600 

Carbonate of lime 0.0600 

Carbonate of magnesia 0.0040 

Alumina and oxide of iron 0.0010 

0.1268 

" Calculating the probable combinations of these acids and bases, 
as they are, in all probabilitjs united in the water, we have : 

Appocrinate? of protoxide of iron 0.025 

Silica and insoluble silicates 0.060 

Bicarbonate of lime 0.086 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 0.006 

Alumina and oxide of iron 0.001 

Carbonate of soda 0.0170 

Carbonate of potash 0.0040 

Sulphate of magnesia 0.0002 

Chloride of magnesia 0.0026 

Sulphate of lime , 0.000015 

" There is still an excess of magnesia remaining, which probabty 
exists as iodide and bromide of magnesia ; for though Dr. Elder- 
horst, operating on 1000 grammes, was not able to detect any iodine 
or bromine, yet, when I extracted the solid residue from 2000 
grammes with alcohol, evaporated this to dryness, at a low tempera- 
ture, and tested it with protochloride of palladium, the watery solu- 
tion was slightly tinged yellowish brown, indicative of a trace of 
iodine; and, if larger quantities of the water were operated on, the 
iodine and bromine could, in all probability, be distinctly brought 
out. 

" I have been repeatedly asked to what I attributed the medical 
virtues of these waters. I reply, mainly to their high temperatures. 
Here, at the Hot Springs of Arkansas, there is the most abundant 
supply of water at a scalding temperature; several of the springs 
ranging at the fountain-head as high as 148 deg. of Fahrenheit's 
thermometer, the waters of which, after being conducted in open 
troughs down the hillside to the reservoirs above the bath houses, 
and standing some time, are just as hot as the skin can bear, and the 
waste water, conducted under the adjoining vapor bath houses, sends 
up a steam, through the latticed floor, of a temperature so hot that 
few can endure it. If, then, the Warm Springs of^ Virginia, which 



14 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

have a temperature of only 96 deg. to 98 deg., exercise, as experience 
has proved, a most potent effect in the cure of man} 7 diseases, 
'mainly by their temperature,' how much more positive must be the 
effect of waters of so much higher temperatures ; especially when a 
stream of it, in diameter as large as a man's arm, can be directed at 
pleasure, with great force, on any organ. 

"In many forms of chronic diseases especially, its effects are 
truly astonishing. The copious diaphoresis which the hot bath es- 
tablishes, opens in itself a main channel for the expulsion of princi- 
ples injurious to health, made manifest by its peculiar odor ; a similar 
effect, in a diminished degree, is also effected by drinking the hot 
water — a common, indeed almost universal practice, among invalids 
at the Hot Springs. 

" The impression produced by the hot douche, as above described, 
is indeed powerful, arousing into action sluggish and torpid secre- 
tions ; the languid circulation is thus purified of morbific matters, 
and thereb} 7 renewed vigor and healthful action are given both to the 
absorbents," lymphatics, and to the excretory apparatus-— a combined 
effect, which no medicine is capable of accomplishing. 

kt Silica and carbonate of lime, the most abundant mineral con- 
stituents of the Hot Springs, can have comparatively little specific 
action on the animal functions. The carbonates of alkalies present, 
proved by the distinct alkaline reaction of the watery solution of the 
solid contents evaporated to dryness, cannot be without their thera- 
peutic effects, in common, however, with a great many of the well 
and spring waters of middle and southern Arkansas, which also con- 
tain some alkaline carbonates. 

" The large quantity of free carbonic acid which the water con- 
tains, and which rises in volumes through the water at the fountain 
of many of the springs, has undoubtedly an exhilarating effect on 
the system ; and it is no doubt from the water of the Hot Springs 
coming to the surface charged with this gas, that invalids are enabled 
to drink it freely at a temperature at which ordinary tepid water, from 
which all the gas has been expelled by ebullition, would act as an 
emetic. 

4i The small quantities of chlorides and sulphates of magnesia may 
have a slight medicinal effect ; but there are not more of these salts 
present than are to be found in many spring and well waters ein- 
plo)ed for domestic purposes. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 15 

k ' Various have been the speculations with regard to the cause of 
the high temperatures of these waters, and my opinion has been re- 
peatedly asked on this subject. 

" I cannot, for several reasons, subscribe to the views advanced by 
some, that the elevation of temperature is caused by the water coming 
in contact with caustic lime in the interior of the earth. Lime has 
so great an affinity for carbonic acid that it cannot remain, for any 
great time, in an uncombined caustic condition ; and, therefore, is 
seldom found in that state either on the surface or in the bowels of 
the earth. And if it did, it would long since have been reduced to 
the state of hydrate, if not to the state of carbonate, by constant 
contact with the copious flow of water charged with carbonic acid ; 
when it could no longer give off heat by the chemical action produced 
during its combination with water. 

" Much less can I give assent to the extraordinary idea that the 
high temperature of these waters is due to latent heat, given off from 
the water in the act of depositing the tufa that now coats the hillside 
from which the springs issue, and which was originally held in solu 
tion ; since we have no instance of an}' appreciable heat being given 
off by simple precipitation or settling out of the carbonates of lime, 
as it loses the carbonic acid which held it in solution ; besides, this 
is so slow a process that if any heat were given off, it would be so 
little at a time as to be insensible to the feelings. 

" On the contrary, I attribute the cause to the internal heat of the 
earth. I do not mean to say that the waters come in actual contact 
with fire, but rather that the waters are completely permeated with 
highly heated vapors and gases which emanate from sources deeper 
seated than the water itself. The whole geological structure of the 
country, and that of the Hot Spring Ridge in particular, from which 
the water issues, justifies this assumption." 

Morman, in his bt Mineral Springs of North America," devotes 
about four pages to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, from which I will 
quote the following : 

"As a stimulant, when taken internally, it arouses the absorbant 
and secretory system, stimulates the hcemic glands, produces more 
rapid metamorposis, and alterative action is the result. The water is 
easily assimilated, and brought rapidty into the circulating system ; 
thus producing, when elaborated, an active eliminative agency. Thus 
we have all the blood making organs aroused by the pure, tasteless,. 



16 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

inodorous, natural stimulant, through the medium of the blood. It 
rapidly courses through every part of the circulation, and if no 
organic disease exists, the efficacy, as an adjunct, in the treatment of 
all blood diseases, is sometimes truly marvelous. In uterine diseases, 
as a class, these waters are unrivaled in efficacy. In that tedious 
form of chronic metritis, where ulcerative action ensues, and neu- 
ralgia and functional difficulties follow, no agency can be made more 
valuable to the sufferer. 

" Where sterility is alone functional, the causes can generally be re- 
lieved by the judicious use (internally and externally) of the waters- 
Cutaneous diseases, the opprobrium generally of the medical 
profession, especially when of a specific type, are treated here 
with the greatest advantages, not only from the agreeable detergent 
action of the baths, or the maceration of old morbid surface- tissues 
that are cleansed, but in the treatment of all skin diseases, where we 
find integumentary alterations or lesions existing, the natural tepid, 
warm and hot baths in efficiency cannot be excelled. In all rheu- 
matic conditions of the system, after the acute or inflammatory action 
subsides, the thermal waters enjoy great celebrity for their good 
qualities and curative properties. In the treatment of Gout and 
Gouty Rheumatism, the waters have like reputation in controlling 
the diathesis, if persistently used as directed. As remedial adjuncts 
in the treatment of Scrofula, Syphilis, Mercurio Syphilis, mercurial 
diseases and climatic (malarial) ills, where prompt depurative and 
eliminative agency is demanded, these waters have no superior ; in 
fact, stand unrivaled, in combined properties, for that agency. In 
all diseases of the brain, or lesions of the spinal marrow, these 
waters are positively injurious. Experience, with careful circum- 
spection, satisfies me that the waters should not be used in Epilepsy, 
except it is purely of functional origin. Females should avoid, if 
possible, the treatment of chronic diseases during pregnancy, as un- 
pleasant results are very apt to follow general bathing. In all 
diseases of the lungs, or bronchil tubes, without specific origin, al 
natural thermal waters are undesirable, as they oppress respiration 
by stimulating circulatory action, and cause an afflux of blood to the 
bronchial surfaces. In organic diseases of the heart, thermal waters 
(either natural or artificial) should not be used." 

Walter, in his " Mineral Springs of the United States and Canada," 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 17 

first gives the location, postoffice, access, hotels, etc., then the 
analysis of the water, as given by Prof. E. Hill Larkin, (to be found 
in the chapter devoted to the Springs,). The following I will quote 
in the language of the author : 

"These waters resemble the waters of Gastien, in Austria, and 
Pfeffers, in Switzerland. Properties: They are very highly 
esteemed, and deservedly so, in the treatment of Chronic Rheuma- 
tism, Gout, Contractions of Joints, Secondary and Tertiary Syphlis 
and Neuralgia. In Paralysis, unaccompanied by organic lesions, 
they are of considerable utility, as auxiliaries. In dartrous 
diseases of the skin, functional diseases of the uterus, and chronic 
poisoning by metals, either lead or mercury, they are efficient. Ex- 
perience proves them to be positively injurious in affections of the 
heart or brain, dropsies of the lungs, in any form ; and persons 
laboring under diseases for which these waters are beneficial, but 
accompanied by such maladies, need not journey to the Hot Springs. 

"How do these waters act? Having a continuous flow of three 
hundred and sixty gallons per minute, and ranging in temperature 
from 93 deg. to 150 deg. Fahrenheit, we would expect favorable re- 
sults from their judicious use; and we are not surprised to learn of 
cures under their employment that have resisted all other modes of 
treatment. It is asked, ' Why not use hot water at home ?' Because 
it is impossible to procure it in sufficient quantity and of uniform 
temperature. Some consider that terrestrial heat possesses peculiar 
properties, rendering it more efficient than artificial." 

Dr. G. W. Lawrence, who has had ample opportunity for obser- 
vation, holds that a positive difference exists in the natural thermal 
waters of Arkansas and artificially- heated waters, which he attributes 
among other causes, to *' the thermo-electric properties of the ther 
mal waters." He says, " The natural produces a stimulating sweat ; 
the artificial waters a relaxing diaphoretic action." These differ- 
ences, however, if such exist, are not at present tangible. 

In these waters, as in many thermal waters, there is a confervoid 
growth, or moss, which is frequently used by patients as an external 
application to painful parts or ulcerated surfaces. It acts much like 
a poultice. 



18 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

AS A EESOET FOE INVALIDS 

The Hot Springs of Arkansas stand without a rival. At no place 
in the known world can so many diseases be effectually cured or 
greatly benefitted. 

Within the last ten years, over twenty thousand people have been 
cured of diseases that the most skillful physicians of our larid con- 
sidered past recovery. 

The wonderful cures performed by the use of these thermal waters 
are truly miraculous ; they almost require ocular evidence to be 
credited. Language that would do only justice, seems exaggeration, 

Whilst it is admitted that all who come here are not cured — for it 
must be remembered that with a majority of cases every remedy is 
tried before they come to the Springs — yet is believed that ninety out 
of every hundred are cured or benefitted. 

Hundreds come nere every year to die, expecting only a little 
longer lease of life, but to their great surprise they are cured, and 
joyously return home to their families and friends. Too much can 
not be said to induce those suffering with diseases that can here be 
cured, to come and try the efficacy of these waters. Delay is death, 
or worse than death with many, causing untold misery to their pos- 
terity for ages to come. 

One of the greatest objects of the author is to herald far and wide 
the great benefits to be derived by suffering humanity by the intelli- 
gent use of these waters. 

No one can come to Hot Springs without receiving a good moral 
lesson. Parents would do well to send their wild boys to this school. 
If the)' would not learn wisdom here, there is but little hope of pre 
venting the sowing of their wild oats. The very restraint I now feel 
in writing plainly all I would wish to say on this subject, is the cause 
of much of the misery in this world. Parents, be candid and speak 
freely to your children ; do not allow them, to suffer through ignorance. 

Knowing that any articles from the pen of the resident physicians 
of Hot Springs would be received by the reader with interest, and 
as good authority, I addressed a note to each of those who were at 
home, of which the following is a copy : 

Hot Springs, Ark., December 5, 1873. 
Dear Sir : Will you favor me with an article, for publication 
in my little book, entitled * The Hot Springs as They Are,' based 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 19 

upon your experience as a Physician, with the diseases cured or 
benefitted by the thermal waters of the Hot Springs? By so doing-, 
you will receive the thanks of the afflicted, and greatly oblige 

Your obedient servant, 

CHARLES CUTTER 

Below will be found the letters of Drs. Brooks and Franklin, who 
kindly and promptly replied. Dr. G. W. Lawrence wrote me a friendly 
letter, in which he regretted he could not, for want of time, aid me 
in my laudable undertaking, and referred me to some articles from 
his pen already published, of which I gladly avail myself, and the 
reader will find elsewhere. 

LETTER OF ALMON BROOKS, M. D. 



Hot Springs, Ark., December, 1873. 
To Mr. Cutter. 

Dear Sir — The diseases most successfully treated at the Hot 
Springs of Arkansas are : 

Chronic Rheumatism, Synovial, Muscular and Gonorrhoeal Rheu- 
matism, Rheumatic Gout, (Chronic Rheumatic Arthritis,) Chronic 
Gout, Gouty Synovitis, Acquired and Hereditary Syphilis, Scrofulous 
Disease of Glands. (Speedy cures have been made of many long- 
standing cases of suppurating disease of the glands of the neck ; large 
non-suppurating swellings of these glands, that had endured for 
years, have been reduced to a healthy size and condition.) Chronic 
Ague, and its attendant enlargement of the spleen ; Alcoholism, or 
the morbid effects traceable to the abuse of stimulants containing 
alcohol ; Migraine, or Sick Headache. 

Paralysis, especially when of specific or venereal origin. Acute 
and Chronic Chorea Hysteria, Neuralgic Affections. 

Ozena, Chronic Nasal Catarrh, Sore Throat, Ulcerated Throat, 
Relaxed Throat, Scrofulous Disease of Tonsils, Enlarged Tonsils, 
Painful Menstruation, Scanty Menstruation. Absent Menstruation, 
from want of development at time of puberty and from temporary 
suppression. Ulcer of the Womb, Chlorosis, or Green Sickness, Rheu- 
matism of the Uterus. 



20 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



DISEASES OP THE SKIN, 

As Eczema, Chronic Urticaria, or Nettle Rash, Impetigo, Rupia, 
Acute Psoriasis, or Lepra Vulgaris, Ringworm, Chronic Ulcers, caused 
by the chancroidal virus. (I have seen seven cases cured here tha^ 
had continued for periods varying from two to eight years, resisting 
every kind of treatment. All these cases began with suppurating 
buboes.) 

Whilst any of the above diseases would be suitable for treatment 
here, the baths could not properly be recommended if its subject 
had likewise Tuberculosis, BrighVs Disease, Serious Vavular Disease 
of the Heart, or other maladj T that rendered unsafe increased force 
and activity of the general circulation. 

The Hot Springs are sought with equal advantage at all seasons 
of the year. The very feeble, the subjects of paralysis, and those 
afflicted with rheumatic gout, are most rapidly benefitted in the colder 
months. 

Yours, etc., 

ALMON BROOKS, M. D. 

Note. — One case of Diabetes Mellitus was seemingly cured here. 
Several cases of Hay Asthma have been relieved here, at least tem- 
porarily. The following is from the November number of the 
Practitioner, published in Louisville, Ky., by Dr. Yanclell : 

"Dr. Baldwin and Hay Asthma. — Our valued friend, Dr. W. O. 
Baldwin, has been for many years a victim to Hay Asthma. We had 
the pleasure of a short visit from him a few days ago, in which he 
informed us that he had escaped his tormentor this season by re- 
sorting to the Hot Springs, in Arkansas, a short time in advance of 
the expectad attack. The many friends of this distinguished and 
popular physician will be gratified to learn that he has enjoyed per- 
fect health during all the period in which for so many years past he 
has been a sufferer from Hay Asthma, and the numerous subjects of 
this intractable affection will take encouragement from his case. If 
the Hot Springs should prove as efficacious in other cases, there will 
be no bounds to their popularity." 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 21 

LETTER OF SIDNEY W. FRANKLIN, 11 D. 

Hot Springs, December, 1873. 
To Charles Cutter, Esq. : 

Dear Sir: I acknowledge the receipt of your note, asking a 
brief statement of my professional experience in the use of the 
Hot Springs, and a list of diseases in which the}' are most efficacious. 

It is safe to say that there are no known waters so valuable in the 
cure or relief of chronic disorders as those of Hot Springs ; and 
the happy results of their intelligent use, in the majority of cases, 
hardly admits of exaggeration. 

The diseases that are especially benefitted by these Springs, are 
Syphilis, in all its protean forms and manifestations ; Rheumatism 
and Gout, with their complications ; Scrofula, Skin disorders. Ulcers 
and Contracted Joints ; Catarrh, Ozena. Uterine troubles, Gravel, 
diseases of Kidneys and Bladder. Glandular enlargements, and all 
nervous derangements, especially the Neuralgias and Paralysis. 

Patients suffering from Phthesis, Dropsy, Acute Inflammatory 
affections. Aneurisms, and other diseases of the heart, brain and 
large blood vessels cannot expect relief. 

Winter bathing, in the majority of cases, is just as efficacious as 
that in summer; and the mild climate of this latitude (34^ deg.) 
makes it. especially to northern visitors, a most desirable winter re- 
sort Very respectfully, 

-IDNEY W. FRANKLIN, M. D. 

From the transactions of the American Medical Association, Vol. 
23. pp. 408 and 409, I find the article on Hot Springs which is re- 
ferred to by Dr. G. W. Lawrence, as part of his report on "Climat- 
ology, etc., of Arkansas," to the above Association, of which he is 
a member : 

k * The Hot Springs of Arkansas, in the interior of the State, are 
among the wonders of the continent. These Springs, fifty-seven in 
number, ranging in temperature from 93 deg. to 150 deg. Fahrenheit' 
discharging over 500.000 gallons of water daily, sufficient in quantity 
to accommodate (with delightful bathing) 10,000 bathers every day 
in the year. These natural earth-heated waters hold in solution 
valuable mineral constituents. Clear, tasteless, inodorous, these 
Springs pour forth, from the novacalite ridge, waters as pure, bright 



22 THE HOT SPRtNGS AS THET ARE. 

and sparkling as the pellucid Neva. The various springs are quali- 
tatively allied, not holding in solution or freighted with too much 
abusive mineral, and they are free from all noxious gases. It is be- 
lieved the properties of the water, especially in the treatment of 
chronic hoemic diseases are unequalled. There are no springs known 
of superior value, or that can compare with the Hot Springs of 
Arkansas, as adjuncts, in the treatment of that class of chronic 
diseases. They are more nearly allied to Gastein (in the Noric Alps) 
than any known springs; but in regard to climatic advantages, we 
must justly claim that, the climate of Arkansas, throughout the year, 
far surpasses the European. When hydrotherapy is more generally 
understood by the medical profession at large, these natural waters, 
as remedial adjuncts, will surely be more appreciated for the virtues 
they possess. These thermal springs do not belong to that class 
known as intermittent waters. The flow a constant regular current, 
with like temperature. Arising from a great depth, the calidity, or 
gelidness, exteriorty, does not appear to influence them. Many 
theories exist regarding the cause of heat of all such constant springs. 
We must incline to the views of Humboldt, that it is imparted by the 
inherent heat of the earth. These superheated waters and gases, 
with the high electrical conditions, (as we find artificially or naturally 
generated, whenever the temperature is elevated to a certain altitude 
above ebulition,) hold in solution the soluble mineral tissues of the 
earth, through which the hot water penetrates, and convey it to the 
surface. The crude materials found by qualitative analyses in these 
waters are : 

Silicates, with base, Bicarbonate of Lime, 

Bicarbonate of Magnesia, Carbonate of Soda, 

Carbonate of Potassa, Carbonate of Lithia, 

Sulphate of Magnesia, Chloride of Magnesia, 

Alumina, with Oxide of Iron, Oxide of Manganese, 

Sulphate of Lime, Arsenicate of Iron, 

Bromine, Iodine, a trace, 
Organic Matter, a trace. 

"The pure, subtile liquid certainly holds in refinement active min- 
eral ingredients, that no chemical analysis can resolve satisfactorily 
its true natural combinations, or several relations. The inherent 
thermo-electric properties, together with the peculiar chemical forma- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THET ARE 23 

tions of the carbonates of the alkalies, alkaline earths, or other min- 
eral substances, give the waters properties that cannot be imitated 
by art. Their action is strangely unlike artificially prepared waters. 
Who would sip, gulp or quart' down three or four pints of artificially 
prepared water, at a temperature of 148 deg. to 150 deg. Fahrenheit, 
at one time, and feel refreshed after the feast? Here it is given to 
invalids, as the usual dose, during the process of bathing. The 
efficacy of this wonderful fluid medicated mysteriously in subteranean 
recesses, by its affinities, or powerful combining forces is really a 
subject worthy of more general study, and of true professional in- 
terests. As Conelants, Alterants and Elimiants, these waters are 
important adjuncts that will aid the practitioner with celerity to con- 
trol many obstinate chronic ills. When projected railroads are com- 
pleted, affording greater facilities for travel, this miniature Baden 
Baden will be an invalid's resort throughout the year. We predict 
that the period is not far remote, when these Springs will be more 
famous, and resorted to annually by European tourists for all chronic 
litem ie diseases " 

[The above was written in the spring of 1872, since which time 
the Cairo and Fulton railroad has finished its line to Texas, thus 
lessening the stage ride from fifty live to twenty-one miles. — Ed. ) 



HOT SPRINGS AS A EESOET FOE LADIES. 

When the beautiful ladies, and those who would be beautiful, fully 
understand the effect of these thermal waters upon the skin and com- 
plexion, their uumber will increase yearly, until thousands, who have 
ruined their complexion by the excessive use of cosmetics, will visit 
Hot Springs to renew the beauty of youth, and regain a fair and clear 
complexion. The writer had the pleasure of meeting a lady from Ohio, 
who accompanied her sister to the Springs, who had been a sufferer for 
many years with Rheumatism She, herself, had been troubled with 
uervous headaches, and was advised to bathe. She done s*o, and after 
taking one course of baths, had gained eight pounds in weight, and 
looked as fresh as a lady of thirty-eight. Her complexion was made 



24 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

fair ; her hair soft arid pliant, to the surprise of all who knew her. 
Her age was fifty- one. 

Those who feel the heavy hand of time being placed upon them, and 
rheir looking-glass revealing wrinkles, moth patches, etc., can, by bath- 
ing in and drinking of these waters, so improve their complexion as to 
appear several years younger than their actual age Young ladiesAwho 
by sickness or other causes have lost their youthful beauty, after the 
free use of these waters, come out fresh as a rose. The complexion of 
all, old and young, male and female, are thus improved. Of late years 
there has been a large increase of lady visitors, and the treatment of 
many female complaints has proven the efficacy of these waters in that 
line of diseases. For the grand climacteric change of life, these waters 
are regarded with particular favor. Where sterility is a consequent of 
a functional disorder (the most frequent cause), the baths are of great 
importance. Uterine diseases, as a class, especially leucorrhoea, have 
been very satisfactorily treated. Owing to the great relaxation of the 
system, improvement is not always evinced by the bath, but they greatly 
improve the general health, and after a return home, and a sufficient 
time has elapsed, all express themselves greatly gratified with the result. 

As a resort for ladies, the Hot Springs are increasing in favor, and 
many gentlemen now bring their wives and daughters with them. Last 
season, a large proportion of the visitors were of the first society of the 
United States, North and South, and not a few from Europe. This 
class of visitors will be much larger this year than ever before, as the 
accommodations at the hotels and bath houses are vastly superior to any 
thing expected. The best hotels now have bath houses connected with 
them, having separate apartments for ladies. 

There are now many families here, * on account of the ill health of 
some of their members. Many of them hire small houses or rooms 
and go to housekeeping. By so doing, they can, at a more reasonable 
cost, remain long enough to cure chronic diseases, which frequently 
require a long time to eradicate. 

This class of visitors has never been large, but as soon as they can 
find neat cottages, furnished with the comforts of a little home, their 
numbers will rapidly increase. Major Gaines has some furnished 
rooms to rent, adjacent to his residence, and in the same yard. They 
are pleasantly situated, and would suit parties who could go to the Hot 
Springs Hotel for day board and bathing. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 25 

Ladies need have no delicacy in visiting these Springs ; that day is 
past, and the time will soon come when Hot Springs will not only be an 
invalids' retreat, but a fashionable watering place, and could be made 
one of the prettiest in the land. The idea of beautifying has not yet 
entered the minds of many, but money and time will accomplish wonders. 



PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. 

This volume could be filled with the certificates of persons cured of 
the different diseases for which these Springs are noted, but the author 
only proposes to give a few cases that have been cured or benefitted, 
and has the consent of the parties for so doing. Many more remark- 
able cures could be given of Syphilis, but the reputation of the Springe 
is fully established for the cure of this class of diseases. 

A CASE OF RHEUMATISM. 

Mr. Oscar Seeley, of Louisville, Ky., came to the SpriDgs afflicted 
with Rheumatism, with which he had been suffering severe pain for 
over four months; was unable to walk, even with the use of crutches; 
they only enabled him to move from chair to chair. He could not 
stand one minute at a time without assistance. He was treated by the 
best physicians in St. Louis and Louisville, and tried every known 
remedy, but continued to grow worse every day. He came to the 
Springs as a last resort, with little confidence of getting well. Parted 
from his wife and children ivith a farewell — good-bye — never expecting 
to see them again. 

He placed himself in the hands of one of the leading physicians, 
who, with the use of the hot waters, soon relieved him of pain, and in 
two weeks he could w r alk without his crutches. In two months he 
gained over thirty-five pounds in weight, and returned home almost 
perfectly well, being obliged to leave a few weeks before he should have 
gone. 

A CASE OP PARALYSIS. 

Mr. J. R. Tyson, of Springfield, 111., has kindly furnished me with 
a history of his case. Hoping it may encourage some unfortunate 
3 



26 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

human being, who may be similarly affected, to try these thermal waters, 
I give it in full. 

In 1865, Mr. Tyson felt some disease slowly creeping upon him, but 
it was not until he forgot his own name that he was alarmed at his con- 
dition. After writing a business letter, he could not think of his own 
name, in order to sign it, and was obliged to get his bank book^io re- 
mind him of it. After he had written his name, it did not seem natural 
to him. He related the circumstance to his physician, who advised him 
to close out his business. He had been a long time profitably and ex- 
tensively engaged in the lumber trade, and it required a year to do it, 
at which time he was almost helpless In 1868, he came to Hot 
Springs, in so helpless a condition that he was only able to move his 
head, and that but a very little. He had not the least control over any 
part of his body. The only benefit he received while here, after using 
and bathing in these waters for ten months, was an improvement in his 
general health. He went home in the same helpless condition. Two 
months after, he was able to move one finger ; next day, two; next 
day, three, and eo on, from day to day, he continued to improve until 
he could move his hands and limbs. All this he attributed to his bath- 
ing in the waters of the Hot Springs. He visited Cincinnati, and took 
electric baths, but received no benefit. Spent some time at the institu- 
tion of Wood & Holbrooks, in New York city, where he took Turkish 
baths, and was otherwise treated, but with no better results. His next 
trial was the Magnetic Springs of Easton Rapids, Michigan, where he 
was somewhat benefited, after a stay of fourteen months. From there 
he went to Detroit, Mich., and was treated by Dr. Stone, with hot and 
cold electric baths. Here he remained three months, and gained faster 
than at any time since his first improvement. At this time he was able 
to walk with the use of his crutches and the assistance of his faithful 
servant, who has been his constant attendant for several years. 
With pleasure I add, they take good care of each other. After remain- 
ing at home about two years, he resolved to try again the waters of Hot 
Springs. He has now been here about three months, is slowly but 
surely improving, and is fully confident of getting perfectly well. The 
reader may think this is a slow method cf treatment, or the disease is 
slow in yielding to the treatment, but he must consider the condition of 
the invalid and the long standing of the disease. Paralysis and some 
cases of Rheumatism require a long continued use of the baths to be 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 27 

benefited, whilst many diseases are relieved after taking a few baths, 
and are entirely cured in three or four weeks. As a rule, invalids do 
not come prepared to remain long enough, and some are obliged to come 
the second time before they receive a perfect cure. 

ANOTHER CASE OF PARALYSIS. 

Mr. J. Boykin, of DeSoto, Miss. The author had the pleasure of meet- 
ing this gentleman at his hotel, and had an opportunity of witnessing his 
improvement day by day. When he came to Hot Springs, it was with 
difficulty he was able to walk with the assistance of a cane and his good 
lady, who accompanied him. He had been afflicted for over a year, and 
at times was unable to move some parts of his body. After bathing 
two weeks, he was able to walk to the top of the Hot Spring Mountain, 
and continued to gain rapidly as long as he remained here. He was 
engaged in mercantile and other business, which would not admit of 
his remaining longer than one month. He expressed himself so well 
pleased with Hot Springs, that, if he could dispose of his property in 
Mississippi, he would return and make this his home 

A CASE OF PRURIGO. 

Mr. Amos Shinkle, President of the First National Bank and City 
Gas Works, of Covington, Ky., for over a year was a sufferer from a 
skin disease known as Prurigo ; by some called Nervous Rash. He 
consulted some of the best physicians in the United States : Drs Gra- 
ham, Bartholomew and Howe, of Cincinnati ; Dr. C. F. Thomas, and 
others, of Covington, Ky. ; Drs. Woods, Harris and Keys, of New 
York, but all failed to afford any relief, and gave him no encourage 
ment. In fact, they told him there was little or no hope of his gettiug 
well. They assured him that the disease seldom, if ever, proved fatal, 
which Mr. Shinkle failed to appreciate, for he suffered worse than death 
by the constant itching and pain, causing loss of sleep, which obliged 
him to take opiates to get rest. 

When he came to Hot Springs, he w r as very much discouraged, and 
would willingly have given half his vast fortune, if money would have 
secured perfect health. He regretted his disease was such as would not 
relieve him of his suffering by death. He placed himself under the 
care of one of the best physicians in the valley, and in less than seven 
weeks, without medicine, only by the judicious use of the water, was 
perfectly cured, and returned home a happy man and a devoted friend 
of Hot Springs. 



28 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



ANOTHER CASE OF RHEUMATISM. 

Mr John Niece, of Alabama, from 1859 until 1869 — ten long years- 
suffered excruciating pains, caused by Rheumatism. It commenced in 
his feet, and gradually worked up his limbs to his hips and back, affect- 
ing his kidneys and spine, causing contractions of the muscles, until 
his head and shoulders were drawn down almost as low as his knees^ In 
1862, he lost the use of his limbs, and was unable to get about without 
the use of crutches. Everything that could be thought of was tried to 
relieve him of his suffering and deformed condition, without effect. 

In 1869, he came to the Hot Springs. He bathed regularly for ten 
months before he felt any great change, except a decided improvement 
in his general health ; but at this time the pains gradually passed away. 
Since then he has continued to gain slowly, but surely and constantly 
[n 1871, he was able to lay aside his crutches, and walk about freely 
and without fain. He is yet very much stooped over, but thinks he is 
straightening up slowly, and has great faith of being able to stand up 
and (to use his own language) look a man in the face. He now keeps 
a little fruit and confectionery stand, which supports him, and enables 
him to stay where he cau bathe in these waters, and in time get per- 
fectly well and straight again. 



OTHER MINERAL SPRINGS OF GARLAND COUNTY. 

Within twelve miles of the Hot Springs, there are many valuable 
Mineral Springs. Three of them — tlie Mount Valley, the Sulphur 
and Chalybeate Springs — -are worthy of note. The day will come 
when they will have a national reputation, and their names be familiarly 
associated with the Hot Springs of Arkansas. Few will visit the 
latter without visiting one or all of the others. All are valuable for 
medicinal qualities, and the diseases benefited by the use of these 
waters combine a large list that cannot be cured by the waters of 
Hot Springs. They add very materially to the interests of Hot 
Springs, as they afford a pleasant retreat for visitors, for either health 
or pleasure. The Mount Valley is the most noted, and has the best 
accommodations for guests. [A full description will be found on 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 29 

another page.] The Sulphur Spring is about seven miles from the 
Valley, and visitors frequently ride out and enjoy a good dinner, a 
few drinks of the water, and return well pleased with the day's recre- 
ation. The Chalybeate Springs are at present unimproved, yet 
visitors walk and ride to them to drink the water; and pic-nic parties 
are made up in the summer season, almost daily, to spend a few 
jolly hours there. 

Below I give an account of them, taken from the report of Prof. 
1). D. Owen: 

"A qualitative examination was made by Dr. William Elderhorst 
of the Chalybeate Spring, about three miles from Hot Springs. Ht: 
found in it : 

Sulphates large quantity. 

Chlorides " " 

Lime " " 

Iron " " 

Magnesia, ) 

Soda, V strong reaction. 

Manganese, ' 

'■ On the 9th of July, 1859, I visited the spring, and tested it, 
qualitatively, at the fountain head. Its temperature was 70 deg. 
Fahrenheit, 

" I found it to have an alkaline reaction, which may be due, in part, 
to the presence of carbonates of the alkaline earths, lime and mag- 
nesia. Its principal ingredients were ascertained to be : 

Bicarbonate of the protoxide of iron. 

Bicarbonate of lime. 

Bicarbonate of magnesia. 

Sulphate of magnesia. 

Sulphate of soda. 

A little chloride of sodium, and perhaps a little carbonate of soda. 

" This water has a slight deoxidizing effect ; especially that spring 
known more particularly as the ' Sulphur Spring,' though there is 
little or no sulphuretted hydrogen present; at least not enough to 
perceptibly darken lead-salts. This spring has more chlorides in it 
than the main spring. 

" The spring to the southwest of the main spring has a tempera- 
ture of 67 de£. 



30 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

u These springs afford a most abundant supply of water — some 
one hundred and fifty gallons per minute; in fact there is enough of 
waste water to drive a smali mill. 

" The source lies in the dark slates underlying the whetstone 
formation, on the east side of the main Hot Spring Ridge. Car- 
bonic acid gas rises incessantly with the issue of the water from^he fis- 
sures of the slates, in a rapid succession of air-bubbles, through the 
transparent pool, which adds greatly to the exhilerating effects. 

" This water is, therefore, a saline chalybeate, having medical 
properties, eminently tonic, slightly aperient, and well adapted for 
the use of patients recovering from intermittent fever, if there be no 
inflammation or inflammatory action to counterindicate its use. 

" The distance from this spring to the Hot Springs being only a 
pleasant ride, it is a favorite resort for those who desire a change of 
scene, and when the system requires toning up; or, in other words, 
when an increase of the red globules of the blood is necessary, it 
will be found very efficacious in effecting a final cure." 

THE MOUNTAIN VALLEY SPRINGS 

Are situated at the foot of Blakely Mountain, at the head of a beauti- 
ful valley opening out to the south. They are about twelve miles 
north of Hot Springs, and twelve miles from the Ouachita river. 

There are three springs from which water is used by invalids, each 
spring differing in medical properties. The principal constituents of 
the waters, as given in an analysis by Dr. Theo. Hoerner, of Mem- 
phis, Tenn., are : 

Iron, Bicarbonate of iron, 

Lime, Bicarbonate of lime, 

Magnesia, Bicarbonate of magnesia, 

Soda, Sulphate of lime, 

Sulphuric abid, Phosphate of soda, 

Phosphoric acid, Chloride of sodium, 

Silicic acid, Silicate of soda, 

Chlorine, or expressed as salt. 

The virtue of these waters have been known to those living close 
to the springs for over forty years, and have been tested by persons 
afflicted with chronic chills and fevers, female complaints, general 
debility, dyspepsia, gravel, etc., giving entire satisfaction in every 
case. They are also highfv prized and recommended for chronic 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 31 

affections of the kidneys, having effected cures of Diabetis and 
Bright' s disease of the kidneys which were considered incurable. So 
great is the faith of the present proprietor, that he offered last year 
to board invalids for nothing if they were not cured of the disease 
for which these waters are recommended. 

They were formally known as Lockett's Springs, after their former 
proprietor, Mr. E. S. Lockett. He sold them, in 1872. to Mr. P. E. 
Green, and the name was changed to Mountain Valle\ - Springs, a 
name suggested by the peculiar location of the springs. 

Mr. Green at once commenced the erection of suitable buildings 
for the accommodation of visitors. The hotel is a very fine one, 
and can accommodate from seventy-five to one hundred guests. Last 
summer the house was comfortably full all the time with visitors 
from the Hot Springs, and the number this summer will be largely 
increased. It affords a veiy pleasant change for those who wish a 
rest from bathing at Hot Springs, even though they do not require 
the use of the waters. The road to these springs is the best leading- 
out of Hot Springs valley. Mr. Green is also proprietor of the Earl 
House, and will run a daily hack to and from each place. Guests 
have the privilege of boarding at either house without extra expense, 
except the hack fair each way. Everything in the power of the pro- 
prietor will be done to make a visit pleasant and agreeable ; and those 
afflicted with any of the diseases here cured, may feel sure of getting 
well or better by the use of these waters. 



THE CLIMATE AND HEALTH OF THE COUNTKY. 

Dr. Lawrence, in his report, in speaking of the nature of diseases, 
etc., in Arkansas, after devoting several pages to other parts of the 
State, says : 

"We will now further consider the medical climatology of the inte- 
rior — that intermediate country about Hot Springs and the counties 
adjacent to it — between the regions heretofore described, viz : at the 
capital, the northwest, southeast, south and southwestern parts of 
Arkansas, This division of the State is mostly an elevated country, 



32 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

composed of undulations, foot-hills and mountains. Delightful springs, 
spring streams and rivulets abound throughout the area. The head 
waters of the beautiful Ouachita and Saline rivers rise here. The rich 
alluvial bottoms, valleys and vales, margining the tributaries of these 
streams, are sparsely inhabited. The settlers are chiefly engaged in 
husbandry. They are a hardy class ; and diseases, save climatic fevers, 
Pneumonia, Dysentery and Diarrhoea, which appear at certain seasons, 
are rare among them. Phthisis, Scrofula and Goitre are scarcely known 
in these elevations, and rarely originate here. Hepatic, Splenic, Venal, 
Enteric, and other functional ills of miasmatic origin, sometimes pre- 
vail, but these attacks are generally very manageable. 

" Malarial Fevers. — Tertian and quotidian Intermittents are the most 
common forms of fevers. Quartan is less prominent. Double quoti- 
dian and octan types are met with occasionally. Severe congestive 
attacks, known here as 'Congestive Chills,' sometimes occur, and 
death soon results, when aloof from medical aid. Pernicious fevers, or 
any grave type of malarial fever are rarely met with. Epidemics and 
endemics are unknown in this mountainous part of the State. Within 
the past thirteen years, no epidemics have prevailed at Hot Springs ; 
and we have no history of the prevalence of any since its settlement. 

u Cholera and Yellow Fever are here unknown. The atmosphere in 
this ' pine section ' appears to antagonize the invasion of these diseases. 
A form of Ophthalmia prevailed in 1860-61 in some parts of Hot 
Spring and Montgomery counties. It was considered a malarial con- 
junctivitis. Scorbutic tendencies appeared among a few of the residents 
of Hot Spring and adjacent counties in 1860. It was known as 
k Mountain Scurvy,' and was readily relieved by dietetic means. A 
case of Variola occurred at Hot Springs-in 1858. Precautionary means 
were assumed, and the spread of the disease obviated. Vaccination, 
when practicable, is a resort as a supposed prophylactic in Variola. 

" Zymotic diseases are scarcely familiar here to the profession. 
Varicella (». pseudo type, or a malady, that sometimes strangely courses 
the same avenues,) was endemic at Hot Springs in 1868. Scarlatina 
and Diptheria have never prevailed. Rubeola prevailed as an endemic in 
1862, and again in 1868, attacking indiscriminately Ml ages, from 
childhood to adult life. It was not malignant, and a few cases proved 
fatal. Cynanche Parotidea was rife at Hot Springs in 1868. It was 
a mild form, and no deaths resulted. Pertassis prevailed for three or 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 33 

four months in 1867. Croup is rare ; Asthma uncommon ; Erysipelas, 
of idiopathic type, is unknown ; Dengue is not familiar to us ; Typhus 
and Typhoid fevers are unknown : typho-malarial condition and typho- 
pneumonitis sometimes supervene, as a result of Remittant Fever and 
Pneumonia. Rheumatism is not common. It is safe to state that 
Gout never originates here. Uteriue diseases and puerperal complica- 
tions are very rar^. We are unacquainted with any country, in the 
same latitudinal relations, that has more advantages for health. All 
the attributes that we regard, are here found to contribute to health and 
longevity. No part of the continent, within the same climatic realm, is 
more salubrious than this mountain section of Arkansas. The spring 
and autumn months are generally pleasant ; the summer months are not 
exhausting by extremes of heat. The nights throughout the hot months 
are cool and invigorating. The winters are mostly mild, and short in 
duration. The advantages of the climate, throughout the entire year ; 
the pure, rarefied mountain air, the delightful waters, all give promise 
that the thermal springs in this part of the State will soon be one of the 
most celebrated resorts for invalids in the United States. Thousands 
now annually visit these Springs ; but if they were rendered more ac 
cessible, by the facilities offered for travel by railroad, ten times the 
number would seek this renowned watering place." 

At the present time, (January. 1874,) grass, bright and green, is to 
be seen in most of the gardens, and flowers in bloom out of doors. In- 
valids from the North and East take out- door exercise without over- 
coats, and talk of the cold storms and deep snows at home in such a 
• manner as to cause one to believe they are not sorry they are here. The 
next winter will find as many visitors as the present number of hotels 
can accommodate. This is the first winter Hot Springs ever had over 
one hundred visitors at one time. Now there are between four and five 
hundred, and more coming every day. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

The Physicians of Hot Springs, Ark., those belonging to the medical 
profession, as a class have feAv superiors at any known watering place. 
4 



34 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

They have enjoyed all the advantages of professional education and 
accomplishments. 

Hydrotherapy, in the treatment of chronic diseases, has been their 
study ; i. e., the use of natural earth-heated waters to cure chronic 
blood diseases. 

Two regular organizations of the Medical fraternity exist. One 
association is called the " Hot Springs and Garland County Medical 
Society." 

The following Physicians are the officers of the organization for the 
present year, viz : E. E. Shippey, M. I)., President ; J.J. Sheldon, M. 
D., Vice President; P. H. Ellsworth, M. D., Secretary: G. W. Law- 
rence, M. D., Treasurer; O- A. Hobson, M. D., Delegate to State 
Medical Association ; E. A. Shippey, M. D., Alternate Delegate. 

All Physicians in good standing, from abroad, are at all times invited 
to attend their regular meetings, which are held monthly, on the first 
Saturday in each month, at the office of the Secretary. 

The other society has been, or is about to be, changed, on account of 
the formation of the new county of Garland ; but I give the name? 
officers, etc., as given in the proceedings of the State Medical Associa 
tion, for 1873 : 

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

Officers — Dr. Almon Brooks, President ; Dr. J. King, Vice Presi- 
dent ; Dr. J. B. Baggett, Treasurer ; Dr. Sidney W. Franklin, Secre- 
tary. 

Members — Doctors Geo. C. Hale, E. Foreman, R. M. Russell, T. J. 
Reid, H. C. Baker, O. B. Knode (deceased) and Thomas Strowde. 



BATHING. 

As most of the visitors travel hundreds of miles to bathe in these 
thermal waters, a description of the bath houses and manner of bath- 
ing, should be an interesting subject to all. The physicians give 
special instructions, and written or printed directions, to each invalid 
after they have undergone a thorough examination. If, on examin- 
ation, the physician discovers the heart or lungs are diseased, the in- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THET ARE. 35 

valid is not allowed to bathe, as the hot baths in such cases prove 
disastrous. The usual directions are to bathe six minutes in water 
at 93 deg. to 100 deg. Fahrenheit; two to six minutes in the vapor 
room, where vapor baths are used, and five to twenty minutes in 
blankets, according to the time required to produce perspiration. 
Some few physicians do not require or recommend the latter. They 
also differ some in their treatment. All are governed by the physical 
condition of the invalid. Some can remain in the water twice as 
long as others, and have it much hotter, without any bad effect, while 
injudicious bathing, by an invalid debilitated by disease, might prove 
hazardous. The old citizens differ in their opinions in regard to 
bathing in these waters. Some say when there were no physicians 
here that most every one who came were cured by the waters alone. 
Others, who had equal opportunity for judging, and who came here 
on account of chronic disease, say the waters are very powerful and 
they would not bathe in them without advising with some intelligent 
physician. 

The physicians have had long experience in the treatment of the 
different diseases that are benefited here; and with the intelligent 
use of the bath, under their directions, a very large proportion of all 
who come can be cured. Should any person think best to bathe 
without the advice of a physician, they hud better be careful until 
they learn by experience how long they can remain in the bath, and 
how hot to have the water, and be benefited. Commence at 93 deg. 
Fahrenheit, and increase, from time to time, to 100 deg. Fahrenheit, 
but no higher. If your disease requires a hotter bath, you should be 
under the care of some good physician. If you are prevented from 
consulting them on account of means. I would advise you to go to 
one and tell him your situation candidly, like a gentleman. I do not 
believe there is a physician in the Valley that would not give you as 
good advice and attention as though you paid him the regular fee 
I know all have done so, and will do so again. 

The mode of bathing differs with the different diseases. With 
some, the vapor is not used ; and some physicians do not use it in 
any case. All say it is not used as much as in former times. In 
cases of Rheumatism and Paralysis the douche is used with satisfac- 
tory results. It enables the bather to have a stream of water fall on 
any diseased part of his body or limbs, and is often immediately re- 



36 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

lieved of pain. Some few bath rooms have a cold shower bath, 
which is verv much enjoyed by some, especially in the summer. It 
enables the bather to cool off quickly ; but, as a rule, the invalids come 
here for hot water, and use that kind only. Each bath house has 
one or two attendants, who attend to the wants of the bathers ; rub 
them down, assist the lame, etc. << 

After the bath is taken, the invalid passes into the vapor room (if 
he uses the vapor), and the attendant cleans out the bath tub and 
arranges the blankets in it for the sweat bath (if it is required). 
Some go home to their rooms and take their sweat in bed. The 
vapor bath is in a small room, 3x4, which is full of hot steam, con 
tinuously rising through the open slat floor from a stream of waste 
hot water, which flows under it. Objections are made to the vapor 
bath on account of the inhalation of hot vapor, which is thought in- 
jurious to the lungs, especially if they are not strong. 

Many poor unfortunate consumptives come here expecting to en- 
joy the luxury of bathing in these thermal waters, hoping to be cured 
of that or some other disease, and are invariably advised not to bathe. 
The physicians do not keep any invalids here that cannot be cured or 
benefited by the aid of these waters. Such visitors are advised to 
go home, or possibly to Florida, or some place where the} T may be 
benefited. Bright 1 s Disease is not treated here; yet, the Mountain 
Valley Springs, twelve miles north, have cured some remarkable 
cases. 

The baths are very much enjoyed by all. The electric influence 
of the water is so quickly felt throughout the whole system that any, 
one cannot but believe that they are very powerful for good, if cor- 
rectly applied, or for evil, if imprudently used. 

Below will be found a description of all the bath houses in the 
Valley, and visitors are at perfect liberty to pay their money and 
take their choice : 

HOT SPRINGS HOTEL BATH HOUSE. 

This is the largest and best arranged bath house in the Valley ; 
has twenty bath rooms, two cold shower baths, three douches and 
ten vapor rooms ; a separate department, with four bath rooms, ex- 
clusively for the use of ladies. The building is 32x54 feet, with a 
ten-foot hall through its center, affording a comfortable reception 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 37 



and sitting room for bathers. In cold weather the hall and building 
is heated with a large store, and invalids can bathe without fear of 
taking cold, any day in the year. The building is about twenty feet 
high, well lighted and ventilated. The vapor rooms are all on one 
side, just back of the bath rooms, while on the other side the bath 
rooms all have windows, affording light and air, as needed. Terms, 
fifty cents for each bath, or twenty-one baths for $10, in advance. 
Messrs. Hoffman & Hamilton, proprietors. 

statt's bath house. 

This popular bath house is centrally located, nearly opposite the 
post-office. Has ten bath rooms, four of which are for ladies only, 
entirely separated from the gentlemen's department, and entered by 
a separate entrance. There are vapor rooms connected with each 
bath room ; one cold shower bath, and other conveniences. This is 
the cheapest place to bathe in the valley. Terms, twenty-five cents 
per bath, or twenty-one baths for $5, in advance. Messrs. Bush <k 
Fannin, proprietors. 

hale's lower bath house. 

This house has about twenty rooms, and after the contemplated 
repairs are completed, will afford comfortable bathing. It is one of 
the best locations in the Valley. Mr. John C. Hale, proprietor. 

hale's upper bath house 

Has fourteen rooms ; thirteen vapor rooms, and a douche attached 
to each bath room. This house is also undergoing repairs, and 
making arrangements for a large summer business. Terms, twenty- 
five cents per bath, for citizens; visitors, three for SI. This house 
is also owned by Mr. John C. Hale, but is under the management of 
Henry Jones, colored. 

RECTOR BATH HOUSE. 

This is one of the best bath houses in the Valley, and is being enlarged 
to supply the expected demand for baths next summer. There are 
about twelve bath rooms, and as many more to be added to the num- 
ber. It has all the conveniences for invalids, and comfortable bath- 
ing can be had at any season of the year. Terms, fifty cents for 
single baths, or twenty-one baths for $10, in advance. Ex- Gov. H. M. 
Rector, proprietor. 



38 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL BATH HOUSE. 

This bath house is not excelled in the Valley for comfort and con- 
venience, for gentlemen or ladiest It has everything required for 
every Uind of bathing, and is connected with the hotel, the guests of 
which are the only persons who have the privilege of bathing at this 
bath house. Terms, fifty cents for single baths, or twenty-one for 
$10. Messrs. E. Q. Gibbon & Co., proprietors. 



j 



THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF HOT SPRINGS. 



White men have visited the Hot Springs for over one hundred years. 
History gives an account of De Soto and his men being at the hot 
springs only a few months before his death. They camped here for some 
time, and many of the party made use of the water, and their health 
improved thereby. French traders and trappers came to the springs 
most every year after the early settlement of Louisiana, but it was not 
until 1807 that any improvement was made. 

In this year Manuel Preedhouse, a Frenchman, built the first cabin 
ever built in the valley. John Perciful and Isaac Gates camped here 
the same year, spending their time in trapping and hunting. In the 
spring of 1808 Perciful cleared a small tract of land on the Ouachita 
River, seven miles from the springs. He raised the first corn ever 
grown in the country — the only implement he used in its cultivation 
being a wooden hoe. In 1809 Preedhouse gave or traded his cabin and 
implements to Perciful. A few visitors came to the springs in the 
years 1810 and 1811. They built cabins to live in, and when they were 
ready to leave gave them to Perciful, who spent much of his time at 
the springs, supplying the visitors with game and provisions. In the 
summer of 1812 there was about one dozen cabins in the valley, but 
all were burned down that winter. Quite a number of people came 
here to keep out of the army and escape the troubles of the war of 1812 
Among them was a young lady who afterwards became the wife of John 
Perciful Visitors came every spring and summer, but the winters 
would find the valley uninhabited. In 1814 there were between twenty 
and thirty cabins in the valley, and visitors from that time, for many 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 39 

years, had onlv to repair them to make a home for themselves while 
rhev remained. Every winter some of them would burn down by fires 
running through the vailey, and in the spring of 1828 there was only 
six or eight of them left standing. They were all out of order, some 
without floors and none of them in condition to be occupied. The best 
one was a double-log cabin built in 1820 by Joseph Millard and was 
known as the Millard Cabins, or House, in which he kept hotel for sev- 
eral years, and was considered the first-class hotel of the valley. It 
seems that Joseph and his good wife Nancy knew how to keep a hotel 
and succeed in establishing a reputation. They must have left the 
place in 1826 or 1827, for no one was living in the valley in the spring 
of 1828 when Loudovicus Belding and his family moved to the springs. 
Millard died in 1829, and his houses were sold to Alexander L. Rogers 
Mr. Belding soon changed the appearance of the valley ; he repaired 
the old cabins ; built new ones ; opened a store, and kept a house of en- 
tertainment. From that time Hot Springs has never been without mine 
host, ever ready and willing to take a stT anger in. Perciful and his 
family had been iu the habit of spending their summers (or most of 
them) at the springs, keeping boarders and selling provisions, &c, to 
visitors. His farm on the Ouachita River furnishing all the corn 
and meat used here for several years. 

Mr. Belding left the springs in 1830, and the houses were leased to a 
Mr. Asa Thompson, who kept them about one year. He was succeed- 
ed by Richard C. Hawkins, who remained two years, and turned over 
the property to the old pioneer claimant, John Perciful. This was at 
the expiration of the five years lease of Purciful to Belding. It was 
by living here under this lease and in the cultivation of a small garden 
that Beldings heirs based their right to enter the land on which the hot 
springs are situated. About this time James Conway (afterwards Gov- 
ernor of Arkansas) made a trade with Perciful for one-half his inter- 
est in the improvements and pre-emption right to the quarter section of 
land, the Springs, &c. The houses were then leased or placed into the 
possession of Samuel Reyburn, who was a brother-in-law of Gov. Con- 
way. He kept a hotel and otherwise entertained the invalid visitors. 
The annual increase of visitors at this time was large, and the value of 
Springs property caused some inquiry as to whom it belonged. In 
1832 congress tried to settle this question by making a reservation of 
four sections of land, the Springs being about the center. This year 



40 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

Col. H. A. Whittington came to the Springs and settled at the upper 
end of the valley where he and his family now live. He is now and 
ever has been one of the most respected and worthy citizens. John C. 
Hale made his first visit to the Springs in this year, but it was not un- 
til 1835 that he settled in the valley with his family. It would lake 
ten volumes to give even a brief history of the Springs and confine it to 
that part in which he has been individually interested. Most of the time 
since this date up to the present, he has kept a hotel for the entertain- 
ment of visitors. This was an eventful year at the Springs, the one 
in which the pioneer claimant, (John Perciful,) who had lived here, or 
near by, for thirty years, died, and it also brought to the valley the 
veteran claimant, (John C. Hale,) who has lived here since that time to 
the present. Mr. Hale is now about seventy-five years old, has spent 
the best part of his life in fighting for his claim to the Springs property, 
and will continue to k ' fight it out on this line, if it takes" the balance of 
his days. He informed the author that his income last year was over 
seven thousand dollars, the most of which was paid to lawyers to carry 
on his lav/ suits. In 1840 Hale & Woods bought of the widow and 
son of Perciful, certain improvements in the valley, and one half 
interest in all the lands, water benefits and privileges that might be 
acquired from or granted by the government of the United States. A 
few years later Hale bought the interest of Wood, and in 1848, (after 
the death of Mrs. Perciful) he bought of David Perciful (the only heir 
of John Perciful) all his interests. This made him sole owner of all 
the title, Perciful or his heir had to sell. If the right and title Purci- 
ful sold to Joseph Paxton was never repurchased, he nor his heir had 
any claim to sell ; (a copy of such a conveyance will be found elsewhere.) 

Major W. H. Gaines, another of the claimants, (the representative of 
the Belding heirs,) settled here in 1841. He has a beautiful residence, 
and location back of the Hot Springs Hotel on the South West slope of 
the Hot Springs Mountain. H. M. Rector settled at the Springs in 
1843, is another of the claimants, (known as the new Madrid claimant). 
He is a gentleman of intellectual ability, was one of the Supreme 
Judges of the State prior to 1858, and during that year was elected 
Governor of the State. As a lawyer, he has shown skill and judgment 
in maintaining his claim. He owns much of the property at the upper 
end of the valley. Both Gov. Rector and Major Gaines have shown a 
spirit of enterprise in the improvements they have made, and are more 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 41 

liberal in leasing ground to parties wishing to build, than Mr. Hale. 
The consequence is that both ends of the valley have the best class of 
improvements, and more of them than the center, (the part claimed or in 
posession of Mr. Hale,) where houses are scattered, and of a poorer class. 
Gov. Rector and Major Gaines are ready to lease ground on Main stree. 
for $10 per front foot, while Mr. Hale asks $15 per front foot. A three 
year lease is as long as either will now give, as they expect the title will 
be settled in that time if not before. More of these gentlemen and their 
claims will be found elsewhere, under the heading: Who Own the 
Hot Springs. 



THE TOWN OF HOT SPRINGS 

Is situated in the valley of the same name ; is mostly located on one 
street, which is about a mile long, following the Hot Spring creek, 
which is spanned by foot-bridges at convenient distances. At each 
end of the valley, two or more valleys or roads branch off, on each 
of which dwelling houses are to be found on every two or three acres 
for a half a mile each way. This gives the entire length of the town 
or settlement about two miles, north and south. Its width, east and 
west, is not over one half a mile, at any point, while the valley proper 
varies from one hundred to six hundred feet in width. Mairy of the 
residences, though but plain box or log houses, by the free use of 
paint, whitewash and their beautiful situations, are quite neat and 
pretty. There are many situated where, witli substantial dwellings 
or neat cottages, the grounds handsomely laid off with walks, flower 
beds and nice shrubbery, would be truly beautiful. Commanding 
the view of the valley below and the mountain sceneiy in all direc- 
tions, they would excite the admiration of all. Some few private 
dwellings in the place are as good as usually found in small country 
towns, and several of the hotel buildings would honor cities with a 
population of ten to twenty thousand ; though, on account of the 
unsettled condition of the land titles, most all the buildings are put 
up cheaply, for present wants. Lumber is cheap — 815 to $20 per 
thousand ; and houses costing from $100 to $1000 are the order 



42 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



of the day, for both residences and business houses. It was 
the demand for larger hotels, and more of them, boarding-houses, 
etc., for the accommodation of the visitors, who have increased in 
number every year, that has caused the improvements that are now 
to be found here. No one owns a foot of land in the Valley, and no 
one can tell how long he will be allowed to remain. When^fully 
considered, the wonder is, not that so little has been done, -but that 
so man} 1 comfortable houses have been built. Improvements of a 
better class have been made within a short time, and are increasing 
in numbers and importance annually. Buildings are going up in 
every part of the place, and evidences of prosperity are ever} 7 where 
to be seen. The writer, in taking the census, visited every house in 
the place, and found but two persons who could be called objects of 
charity ; and they, on account of sickness and being unable to work. 
The hard times, caused by the panic of 1873, was hardly felt here at 
Hot Springs, though many hundreds of visitors were prevented from 
coming by it. 

The population of the place is 1163, of which number 767 are 
white and 396 are colored. These are actual residents only. At 
this time there are about five hundred visitors in the Valley, and 
more arriving every day. With a very few exceptions, the invalids 
are cheerful, and feel like exclaiming " Eureka !" Even the worst 
cases are confident of getting well. 

Most of the people who live here, and are in business, first came 
on account of sickness of themselves or some member of their 
family. I have heard old residents say that no where else can they 
live free of pain. 

It is becoming more generally known that comfortable winter ac- 
commodations can be had here, and diseases cured at all seasons of 
the year. The time is near at hand when Hot Springs will have no 
dull season, but will be constantly thronged with people from every 
part of the habitable globe. It has been estimated that over ten 
thousand people visited the Springs in the year 1873, and the best 
judges expect at least twenty thousand in 1874. The number of 
visitors has been increasing at the rate of about fifty per cent, for the 
last five years ; and now, with increased and better accommodations, 
with a railroad within twenty miles, thereby saving a long, rough 
stage ride of thirty-five miles, it is reasonable to expect an increase 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 43 



over last year (1873) of at least one hundred per cent. Some few 
have placed the expected travel as high as twenty-five thousand. 
When the railroad is finished to this 'point, it will not be long in 
reaching fifty thousand annually. 

The society is made up of all classes, from all parts of the coun- 
try, and more peaceable and hospitable people are seldom met with ; 
ready and willing to render information, to all strangers and visitors. 
Most of the resident population are engaged in providing, in some 
way, for the wants and accommodations of visitors. 

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

There are five churches and three schools at Hot Springs : the Epis- 
copal, Baptist, Catholic and two colored churches. The Methodists 
now worship in the Baptist church, their house having been burned. 
All the churches, except the colored, are now without regular pastors, 
though each denomination expects to have one this summer. One 
tor the Methodist has already been appointed. The pulpits are fre- 
quently occupied by visiting clergymen from abroad, and almost 
every Sunday some one of the churches are so occupied, and fre- 
quently by some very able divines. 

The Sunday schools are generally well attended. The Methodist, 
which is held in the Baptist church, has between seventy- rive and one 
hundred scholars. 

The day schools are now maintained by subscription, or the pay- 
ment of a regular tuition of $2 to $2.50 per month for each scholar. 
There are two white and one colored school : the former by Mr. A. 
W. B. Read and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kirkland, and the colored by 
David H. Harris. The town is divided into two districts. In the 
upper, or district No. 11, Mr. A. W. B. Read is trustee; in the lower 

district, No. 15, the trustee is Mr. William C. Clay. Dr. H. P. Smith 

» 

county superintendent of public schools, informed me that the county 
of Garland had no funds at present, but soon would have, at which 
time school houses would be built and good schools established for 
both white and colored children. 



44 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



THE HOTELS. 

One very important item to visitors, and especially the invalid, is 
a good hotel. Considering the unsettled condition of land titles, 
which prevent the erection of substantial brick or stone houses, the 
distance from market, and the mountainous country for miles aroimd 
the Springs, the hotels of Hot Springs may he considered first-class. 
Some of them are large and well built buildings. The Hot Springs 
Hotel can accommodate two hundred guests ; and, after making the 
intended extention, the Grand Central will be able to entertain quite 
as many. With the improvements now being made, and those in 
contemplation, the hotels and boarding houses, by the first of May, 
will be ready to accommodate fifteen hundred to two thousand guests. 

There are about ten houses that may justly be called hotels; the 
others are only boarding houses, though some of them give as com- 
fortable accommodations as are to be had at the hotels. 

Private boarding houses are numerous, and the visitor can consult 
his purse in selecting a home while in the Valley. Wherever you 
take up your abode, you will be made to feel at home, and with 
plenty of company, who have only to take their daily bath, seek 
amusement and pleasure. The invalid (unless he is suffering from 
pain) will find little trouble in passing his time pleasantly. 

The hotels did a large business last summer, and at times some 
were so full that they could not accommodate any more. Visitors 
remain from one week to six months, and are coming and going all 
the time. 

All the hotels have been making preparations for an increased 
number of visitors this season, and 20,000 to 25,000 people can be 
comfortably entertained in the year of 1874. The best houses are 
plastered, and can now afford warm and pleasant winter accommoda- 
tions; and these houses will (in future) be full summer and winter. 

This is the first winter that there has been any regular travel of 
visitors to the Springs. Old citizens, who have only been accustomed 
to visitors through the spring and summer months, have been sur- 
prised to see as many visitors here in November and December as, 
in former years, visited the Springs in June and July. The dull 
seasons will never return to the hotels of Hot Springs, for in future 
visitors will come in every month of the year, and receive as much 
benefit at one time as another. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 45 

Herewith I give a list of the hotels and boarding houses, and the 
prices charged by each, for board, which ranges from 830 to 875 per 
month. From the descriptions given of the different hotels and board- 
ing houses, the visitor can make his choice before he arrives ; and after 
a day or two, if he is not fully satisfied, can make a change. 

RATE OF CHARGES FOR BOARDING PER MONTH. 

Hot Springs Hotel §75 

(Trend Central Hotel 75 

Rector House 70 

Karl House (baths included) fiO 

Hale House 60 

Western Hotel 50 

Cincinnati House 35 to 50 

Guinn House 40 

Sammons House '. 40 

Sumpter House 40 

Strickland House 40 

Akin House 50 

German House 40 

Sadler House 35 

Alabama House 35 

Illinois House 30 

Mrs. Kennedy 40 

Mrs. Barnes : 40 to 60 

Mrs. Schitle 35 

Mrs. Morris 40 

Mrs. Honeycutt 35 

John Fisher 35 

J. L. B.ICaver 50 

W. L. Massey 35 

Several other private families could be added to the list, who keep 
from one to five boarders ; but the visitor will have no trouble in 
making a selection from this list. 

THE HOT SPRINGS HOTEL. 

This is the largest and best arranged hotel in the State, and the 
new proprietors, Messrs. Carhart & Co., have gone to work with a 
will and determination of making it first-class in every department. 

They have plastered, painted, added new carpets, furniture and 
many other improvements and conveniences. 



46 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



The rooms are all large, well ventilated, neatly furnished, and bells 
arranged for each. The bath house attached to this hotel is the 
largest in the Valley, and has a separate department for ladies. 
There is a fine bar and barber shop connected with the house, and 
the Arkansas Telegraph Company have their office in this hotel. The 
house is built in the shape of an L, 140x150 feet, with a large4iall 
through each wing; is three stories high, with outside stairs from the 
upper floors, besides the fine broad stairways inside. Hot water is 
conducted through the housr in pipes connected with the springs. 
The back part of the house is at the foot of the Hot Spring Moun- 
tain, only three minutes walk from the springs. The reputation en 
joyed by Messrs. Caihart & Co., warrant me in guaranteeing to their 
guests an agreeable and pleasant home while they remain in the 
Valley. 

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL. 

This house stands on the ground formerly occupied by the Akin 
House, which was destroyed by fire. 

The house is new, with new furniture and bedding throughout ; has 
large comfortable rooms, which are plastered. The gentlemanly and 
obliging landlords have determined to make it a first-class house in 
every particular, and have already established such a reputation. 
It will now accommodate over one hundred guests, and with the 
improvements now in contemplation, theu will be able to entertain 
twice this number. These additions are expected to be finished by 
the first of April, and when completed, will make this one of the 
largest hotels in the State. The present length of the building is 
256 feet, and with the extension, will be 396 feet long. Reading 
room, bar room, barber shop and bathing saloons attached to the 
house. Messrs. E. Q. Gibbon and D. Kirkpatrick are the proprietors, 
under the firm name of E. Q. Gibbon <fe Co., and nothing on their 
part will be left undone to make it pleasant for their guests. 

THE GUINN HOUSE 

Is situated at the lower end of the Valley, on a beautiful and sightly 
elevation, commanding a view of that part of the Valley , and the 
Mountain scenery in all directions. It has fine large porches in the 
front and one side, on both floors. The house has been increased in 
size and very much improved, and will now comfortably accommo- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 47 



date fifty guests. The location, for those who do not object to a 
short walk, is not excelled by any in the Valley. Good stable con 
nected with the house. 

THE RECTOR HOUSE. 

This is one of the best located hotels in the Valley ; is situated on 
the east side of the creek, at the upper end of the town, directly in 
front of the upper group of hot springs. The Arsenic Spring 
(which is a favorite spring for drinking water) is only a few feet 
from the house. A comfortable bath house is under the same roof. 
The rooms are large and open onto a large porch, front and rear, on 
both floors. There is a large open space in front of this house, also 
in the rear, which gives a free circulation of air at all times. Mr. 
Menninger, the proprietor, has the reputation of being a good land- 
lord. 

THE EARL HOUSE. 

This popular house is situated in about the center of the Valley, 
only three doors from the post-office, and nearly opposite the bath 
house of Bush & Fannin, the news depot, etc. ; is a two story build- 
ing, with a large wide hall in its center; roomy porch in front, on 
both floors. The new proprietor, Mr. P. E. Green, is having the 
house refitted, with new carpets, new paper, furniture and bedding, 
and adding other improvements for the comfort and convenience of 
his guests. 

Mr. Green is also proprietor of the Mountain Valley Springs, (a 
description of which will be found in another place), and invalids 
and visitors who are guests of the Earl House, have the privilege of 
spending part of their time at this beautiful resort, with the extn? ex- 
pense, only, of hack fare each way. Mr. Green will run a daily hack 
to and from Mountain Valley Springs. 

THE SAMMONS HOUSE 

Is situated on the same hill and just back of the Guinn House, and 
has the same advantages of a beautiful view of the surrounding 
country. The comforts of a home can here be found at a reasonable 
expense, and every thing done for the invalid to make his stay pleas- 
ant and agreeable. The proprietor, Mr. S. A. Sammons, has'a horse 
and buggy for the use of his guests, who prefer to ride to and from 
the bath houses. 



48 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



SUMPTER HOUSE. 

This house is situated in a one open space directly in front of the 
Hot Springs Hotel ; is a large two story frame building, with com- 
fortable rooms for the accommodation of sixty or seventy-five 
guests. The house has been rented by some gentlemen from ^Cam- 
den for the coming season. Their friends speak of them in high 
terms, and say they will keep a No. 1 house. 

CINCINNATI HOUSE. 

This house was formerly known as the Turner House ; is situated 
on the east side of the creek, where the stage road to Malvern 
crosses it. It is a two story frame building, with rooms enough to 
accommodate about forty guests. Mr. C. C. Maclish, the proprietor, 
has had long experience in the hotel business at both Cincinnati and 
Louisville, and knows the wants and desires of the traveling public. 
The distance to bath houses is only a short walk, and good accom- 
modations can be had here at reasonable rates. 

THE WESTERN HOTEL 

Is situated in the center of the Valley, and its guests will only have 
to walk across the street to the bath house, and hot and cold water, 
direct from the springs, within ten steps of the house. This hotel 
can accommodate about forty guests, who will be well cared for 
while here. 

SADLER HOUSE. 

To those who do not object to a pleasant walk to and from the 
bath houses, this will be found a comfortable home, at a medium 
price. Mr. Sadler promises the best to be had in town for the prices 
charged. It is situated on the Sulphur Spring road (stage road to 
Malvern), about one half mile below the Hot Springs Hotel. 

THE AKIN HOUSE 

Is opposite the Grand Central Hotel. Mr. C. C. Akin, who has been 
in the Hotel business at the Springs for many years, is the proprietor. 
This is not a large house, but the fare is good. Regular board $50, 
and day board $30 per month. Location central and handy to baths. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 49 



WARREN HOUSE. 

This house has been closed for some time, but if some good land- 
lord would rent it and do his duty, it would be as pleasant as any 
place in the Valley to spend a long or short visit. It is the center 
of the Valley, with plenty of open space on all sides, and the bath 
houses are close at hand. 

MR. JOHN FISHER, 

One of the old settlers, keeps a private boarding house, at the upper 
end of the Valley, away from the business and hotel centers ; and 
one wishing a pleasant and agreeable place to board, away from the 
town, would be much pleased and kindly entertained here. Mr. 
Fisher has horses and buggies in which to take those who wish to 
ride to and from the bath houses, though the walk is only one-half a 
mile, and a pleasant one. 

STRICKLAND HOUSE, 

Nearly opposite the Hot Springs Hotel, can entertain about fifteen 
guests with regular board, and one hundred with day board. Mr. 
F. T. Strickland, the proprietor, intends keeping a regular Restau- 
rant, and to furnish the table with the best the market affords. 

THE HALE HOUSE 

Is well located, in the center of the Valley, on the banks of the Hot 
Springs creek. Bath houses convenient, on each side. It is one of 
the largest and oldest hotels in the place. Mr. John C. Hale, the 
proprietor is one of the claimants to the Springs property, and the 
oldest in the hotel business. He is unable to do much himself to 
entertain guests, but his good lady sees that they are comfortable 
and their wants supplied. 

THE ALABAMA HOUSE 

Is next to the Western Hotel ; can board about twenty-five guests at 
reasonable rates. Being close to the bath houses, it is a good place 
for those who are lame, and cannot afford to pay high prices for 
board. 

THE GERMAN HOUSE 

Is kept by Mr. Kubier, a German, who can accommodate about fifteen 
boarders with a good home, at a moderate price, and his guests 
may be sure of kind treatment and good living. 



50 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

MRS. MORRIS. 

For a private boarding house, this is the most central of any in 
the Valle}', being nearly opposite the post-office, and next door to 
the bath house of Bush & Fannin. The invalid who finds a vacant 
room here this summer, will be fortunate and well pleased. : » 

MRS. SCHITLE 

Has a convenient and pleasant boarding bouse at the upper end of 
the Valley, a short distance from the Grand Centra], on the opposite 
side of the creek, on the hillside, where they are not troubled with 
dust. The accommodations are good, and bath houses within three 
minutes walk. 

j. l. n. caver 

Is only a few doors beiow the the Hot Springs Hotel, and will ac- 
commodate visitors with furnished rooms or regular board His 
house, which is now being enlarged, will, when finished, provide 
large rooms for about twenty guests. Visitors can be assured of the 
kindest treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Caver, 

MRS, BARNES 

Is pleasantly situated just outside of the busy part of the upper 
Valley, and can provide an agreeable home for about twenty guests. 
Only a short walk to bath houses, which would only be a pleasure to 
many. 



HOT SPBINGS AS A PLAGE OF BUSINESS, 

Without exceptions, business of every kind is good ; store houses 
filled with goods ; trade lively, and merchants happy. Hotels and 
boarding-houses are building additions and preparing for an increased 
number of guests ; and every bod}- who has anything to sell, or 
business to do, seems to be making money. And this is what they 
call their dull season. Two mercantile firms, last vear. sold between 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



51 



'680,000 and 8100,000 worth of goods, and six or eight houses do 
from $25,000 to $50,000 annually. About 1200 bales of cotton were 
bought here last year, for which was paid from 16 to 17 cents per 
pound ; or, in round numbers, about $100,000 were paid out for cot- 
ton alone. This year the prices are lower, ranging from 10 to 15 
cents. At the low figures the farmers held their cotton back, but 
now the prices have advanced to 12^ to 15 cents, and it is coming 
in freely, with a prospect of doing as well as last year in the number 
of bales. Most of the money paid for cotton is spent here for mer- 
chandise. Farmers come one hundred miles to trade, it being the 
best market in the State for country produce. Butter brings from 
30 to 50 cents per pound ; eggs, 30 to 40 cents per dozen ; chickens, 
$3 to $4 per dozen ; hogs, 5 cents per pound. New potatoes, last: 
spring, sold for $5 per bushel, and other early vegetables in propor- 
tion. The visitors indirectly pa} r these high prices, which leaves the 
money in the country, and adds to the prosperity of the place. No 
tovvn of its size offers better inducements for business men of small 
means ; the place is growing, and business increasing every year. 

All the stores keep a large stock of bathing outfits, such as woolen 
suits, blankets, towels, toilet soap, etc., which can be bought as cheap 
here as any where in the country. 

For the benefit of those who think of coming here to live, I will 
add the retail market prices of groceries and provisions. 



20 
18 

17 
15 
1U 
14 
14J 
12 
1 00 
85 



Cut Loaf Sugar ■$• ft). $ 

Crushed Sugar ^ lb. 

Pulverized Sugar ^P ib. 

Coffee A Sugar 3 lb. 

Coffee B Sugar ^ lb. 

Coffee C Sugar ^ lb. 

Demarara Sugar fy lb. 

Common Brown Sugar... ^ lb. 

Golden Syrup ^ gal. 

Sugar House Molasses...^ gal. 

Tea ^ lb. 1 00@2 00 

Soda ^ lb. 12J 

Starch ^ lb. m 

Flour ^bbl. 9 00@11 00 - 

Corn Meal $ bush. 1 00@ 1 25 

Corn ^ bush. 75@ 1 00 

Potatoes, Irish ^ bush. 2 50 

Potatoes, Sweet..^ bush. 2 00@ 1 25 

Onions $ bush. 3 00 

Turnips ^ bush. 50 

Butter ^ lb. 35© 50 

Cheese ^ lb. 25 



Eggs "$ doz. 30@40 



Turkeys each 1 00@1 25 

Bacon $ lb. 12$ 

Hams $ lb. 18 

Shoulders fy lb. 10 

Breakfast Bacon # lb. 14 

Pickles ^gal. 60 

Vinegar ^gal. 60 

Coal Oil ^ gal. 60 

Mackerel..., # kit 1 50@2 25 

Cod Fish f lb. 10@12£ 



Soap 

Candy 

Prunes 

Figs 

Dates 

Almonds 

Filberts 

Pecans 

Soda Crackers.. 
Sweet Crackers 



8@10 

25@50 

16@1S 

25©30 

25 

35 

25 

20 

15 

20 



52 



THE HOT SPRINGS A3 THEY ARE. 



CANNED GOODS. 

Peaches 2 lb. $4 00 per doz. 

Strawberries " 4 00 " 

Easpberries " 3 50 

Cherries " 4 00 

Gooseberries " 3 50 

Tomatoes " 3 50 

Corn " 4 00 

Lima Beans " 4 00 

Cove Ovsters ' r 4 00 



35c. per can. 

35 

40 

35 

35 

30 

35 

35 

35 



NEWSPAPERS. 

There are two weekly newspapers published here: the Hot 
Springs Times (democratic), by Phil. H. G-atewoocl, and the Hot 
Springs Courier (republican), by W. S. Allard. Both are ably 
edited, and give a good supply of foreign and local news. Visitors 
from all parts of the United States subscribe for them, desiring to 
keep posted with the progression and local news of this place. They 
afford a valuable medium for those wishing to advertise, and are well 
patronized by visitors and citizens. 



HOT SPKINGS HONE AND WHETSTONE. 



The finest in the world is found about a mile from the Hot Springs, 
on what is known as the Whetstone Mountain. Over three hundred 
tons of this stone has heen shipped annually, for three or fouryears> and 
the trade is steadily increaeing. It is mostly shipped in its rough state 
as it comes from the quarry. The whetstone (known as Ouachita Stone,) 
is delivered at Little Rock, at forty dollars per ton ; the Hone Stone or 
the fine Arkansas, for eighty dollars per ton. Both are known as 
Novaculite Rock. Messrs. P. Barnes and son, have a mill about three 
miles from town where they dress and prepare the stone for use ; when 
so prepared, it sells for from twenty-five cents to one dollar per pound. 
This stone is being shipped to different parts of the United States and 
to Europe. Mr. Joseph Ticknell, a large manufacturer of Kir wick, 
England, visited these quarries a few years ago, and was so well pleased 
with the stone that he bought and had shipped a large quantity, and 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 53 

sends large orders for it annually. Other European manufacturers send 
for this stone and prefer it to any other they can get, for fineness of 
grit and freeness from flaws. Among the principal firms in the United 
States who buy the stone in the rough and make a business of prepar- 
ing it are : Messrs. Dishmau & Gilbeith, New Albany, Indiana ; 
Messrs. Lewis & Sons, Jeffersouville, Indiana ; Messrs. Simpson & 
Chase, New York City; Messrs. Ja*gger & Son, Brooklyn, New York, 
and many others, by whom this stone is highly prized. The supply is 
inexhaustable and the whetstone trade will in time become of consider- 
able importance. It is well worthy the attention of capitalists. In a 
year or two a railroad will be built to this place and this business will 
be very much increased. There are but few now engaged in it as a 
business. Many of the farmers quarry the stone at seasons of the 
year they are not engaged in farming, and sell it to some of the follow- 
ing gentlemen, who make a business of buying, working the quarries, 
etc. : Messrs. P. Barnes & Sou, Mr. Joseph Terry, Mr H. A. Whit- 
tington. The latter gentleman only buys and sells. 

This stone first derived its name, Ouachita Stone, from it first being 
shipped in flatboats out of the Ouachita river. The first mines opened 
are about twelve miles from the river, and about five miles from Hot 
Springs. 

The following is from the report of Prof. David Dale Owen, State 
Geologist, made in 18G0. His reports are able and have been very 
greatly prized, but the part denying the evidence of internal convulsions, 
or volcanic eruptions, is not generally concurred in. Of the Novaculite 
rock he says : 

"This ridge or mountain, as it is usually called (though it is only 
two hundred and fifty feet above the Hot Spring Valley), is made up of 
the most beautiful variety of Novaculite (" Ouachita oilstone or Arkan- 
sas whetstone ") ; equal in whiteness, closeness of texture and subdued 
waxy lustre, to the most compact forms and white varieties of Carrara 
marble ; and, though of an entirely different composition, it resembles 
this in external physical appearance so closely, that, looking sit speci- 
mens of these two rocks together, it is difficult to distinguish them 
apart. Indeed, the finest quality of the Razor honestone variety of this 
formation is even superior in purity of whiteness to the celebrated Car- 
rara marble. Except in being less translucent, it approaches in lustre 
and fineness of structure to Chalcedony. It is, in fact, the most beauti- 



54 THE HUT springs as they are. 



i'ul variety of Novaculite that can be imagined, when taken dry and 
fresh out of the quarries, about the middle of the east slope of the Hot 
Spring Ridge 

" Yet this snowy white ehalcedonic novaculite belongs, undoubtedly, 
to the age of the millstone grit, and was once a simple ordinary sand- 
stone. From the state of an ordinary sand rock, it has been altered or 
metamorphosed into this exquisitely^ fine material, not as I conceive, by 
contact with fire or igneous rocks, but by the permeation of heated 
alkaline siliceous waters ; perhaps somewhat hotter than the springs 
issuing at this moment from the ridge, and somewhat more strongly 
impregnated with silica, potash and soda. By the incessant and long 
continued permeation of the sand rock with such waters, the particles 
of said rock have been gradually changed from grains of quartzose 
sand to impalpable silica, and the greater part of the oxide of iron, 
manganese and other impurities, carried out in solution from the pores 
of the rock, leaving nearly chemically pure silica behind. 

u The chemical analysis of this novaculite rock confirms this opinion, 
since it is found to be composed* in 100 parts of 1)8 pure silica, as shown 
by the subjoined analysis : 

Silica 98.00 

Alumina tinged with oxide of iron 00.80 

Potash 00.60 

Soda 00.50 

Traces of lime, magnesia, hydrofluoric acid and moisture 00.10 

100.00 
wi Standing at the north extremity of the Hot Spring Ridge, at the 
i urn of the road below Col. Whittinglon's house, and looking at the 
exposed and bare walls of this novaculite rock for the first time, even a 
geologist, seeing its fissured condition, and the rock standing, apparently, 
almost on edge, would, at first, suppose that it had been shivered by 
internal and tremendous convulsions ; but the more I examined this 
formation, the more I became convinced, that, though tilted somewhat 
out of its original horizontal position, the numerous conspicuous, nearly 
vertical joints in it, are fissures of cleavage, and not seams of stratifi- 
cation, and that, during the metamorphosis of structure of which I 
have just spoken, the original stratigraphical partings have almost dis- 
appeared, or at least become confounded with the fine and manifold 
lines of cleavage, concomitant with the altered structure of the rock. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 00 

This formation is, indeed, one of the most remarkable and iuteresting 
for the study of this kind of metamorphism, that I have ever had the 
good fortune to investigate. 

a Though we have, all along the southern flauk of Hot Spring Ridge, 
upwards of forty hot springs, issuing at temperatures varying from 100 
to 148 degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer, flowing down the slope 
seen on the lefr. of the view of the Hot Springs, forming the frontispiece 
of this report, we have, as yet, discovered no outcrop of real igneous 
or crystalline rocks nearer than Tiga Creek, on the borders of the Mag- 
net Cove, a distance of ten miles, in a direct line, from the Hot Spriugs. 

a When we reflect on the boundless and never-ceasing flow of thermal 
waters that must have bathed the sides of Hot Spring Ridge for count- 
less ages, perhaps commencing even as far back as the termination of 
the carboniferous era, at least for a sufficient length of time to effect 
the metamorphism of this great thickness of millstone grit, we must 
become impressed with the vast durations and long continued action of 
geological phenomena compared with our historic period : however inex- 
plicable such wonderful phenomena and changes may at first appear, 
yet, when the chemical principles become properly understood, disclosed 
by enlightened and accurate chemical analyses, these obscure geological 
transformations can be satisfactorily and clearly explained, aided by the 
evidence of the persistency of such chemical agencies through a long- 
lapse of time. 

"In the valley of Hot Spring creek, the rock is mostly slate, pass- 
ing into a kind of Kieselschiefer, traversed sometimes by veins of Ser- 
pentine, which has been collected, in favorable situations, and wrought 
into small ornaments, such as brooches. The great mass of the Whet- 
stone mountain, on the north, is composed of different varieties of 
Novaculite rock, which is quarried extensively to supply the neighbor- 
ing Whetstone mills ; but the greater quantity is transported to mills 
located at New Albany, Indiana, where it is sawed and fashioned into 
whetstones of every description, and razor honestones : the finer and 
harder varieties are reserved for the use of the engraver. These fiener 
varieties seem generally to lie below the coarser. 

u On account of the fissured and fractured condition of the rock it is 
difficult to obtain large perfect blocks, free from hard quartz veins. 
Were it not for this circumstance it could be afforded at a much cheaper 
rate ; I believe it is worth at the quarry, at present, about six cents 
per pound. 



56 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

" For the same reason it is difficult to distinguish the dip from the 
clevanage joints ; the prevalent dip appears to be east, from 20 to 30 
degrees south, at an angle of about 42 degrees. 

'' The strike line of the mountain is very nearly northeast and south- 
west ; say 20 degrees north, 30 degrees east. 

"The height of the Whetstone mountain is about 500 feet above the 
road leading from the Hot Springs to the Chalybeate Spring The 
growth is several varieties of pine, oak, hickory and dogwood. The 
razor grit makes also a good whetstone for bench-tools, but is not so 
much used for this purpose on account of its high price, which is seven 
cents to eight cents per pound, delivered at Little Rock. 

In some instances solid masses of the Novaculite rock have been got 
out weighing about 1200 pounds, which sold at the quarry for $2.50 
per 100 pounds, or 83.00 delivered at Little Rock. The coarser varie- 
ties are usually wrought up into whetstones for bench-tools. 

" The old Ouachita quarries are situated two and a half miles north 
of the Chalybeate Spring; but very little is quarried there now, the 
rock being almost exclusively obtained, at present, at this Whetstone 
mountain." 



THE CKYSTAL MOUNTAIN AND MAGNET COVE. 

* k In the adjoining county of Montgomery, in the Crystal Mountains, 
some twenty miles distant from the Hot Springs, we behold a modifica- 
tion of similar, though far less intense", chemical action, which has pro 
duced equally interesting, but less widely diffused results ; the same 
millstone grit formation, rising into even more elevated ridges than at 
the Hot Springs, and composed, even at this day, of massive sandstone, 
retaining still all the physical characters of a sedimentary deposit* 
These sandstones have, however, been very slowly and partially per- 
meated by alkaline silicious waters, particularly along their joints and 
lines of stratification ; in the insterstices of which the most brilliant 
transparent and limpid quartz has crystallized in all the regularity, 
beauty and variety of its own peculiar geometrical forms, reflecting 
from their glassy facets a dazzling degree of light, second in brilliancy 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 57 

only to that of the diamond. Here the passage or transpiration of the 
pure nascent silex has been effected without changing, to any consider- 
able degree, the .structure of the sandstone matrix, which may be found, 
in all its rough and gritty contrast, attached to the base of a group of 
perfectly limpid crystals. 
• " There is, at present, no region known on this continent which pre- 
sents such extensive mines of rock-crystal as the gorges of the moun- 
tainous ridges of Montgomery county. Almost every fissure of this 
sandstone formation, for a distance of one to two miles in length, and 
from three-quarters to one mile in width, is lined with these brilliants, 
which, exposed iu bursting open the crevices of the rock, glitter and 
flash in the sun's rays like a diadem. Any one provided with the proper 
tools can collect, iu a few hours, more than he can carry away. 

" Here, as iu the Alps, we have the w Crystal-hunter' exploring the 
recesses of this great crystal mountain, and carrying his glittering 
k points 9 * to the Hot Springs and elsewhere, exposing them for sale on 
the doorsteps of the hotels and in the shop windows, as attractions for 
strangers, to serve by their purchase as remembrances of the buyer's 
visit to the crystal regions of Arkansas. And truly, by a judicious 
selection, the lover of the mineral kingdom may here possess himself 
of gems of superior water, that may vie in beauty and brilliancy with 
those of the Alps. Pauphine, Piedmont and Carrara, in Europe ; and 
Ulster, Herkimer, Diamond Island and Diamond Point, in the United 
States. With proper tools, slabs might be rent off from the face of 
the saudstone rock far more than a man could lift ; in fact, even a cart- 
load, studded over with limpid crystals, of all sizes, from the fraction 
of an inch to five or six inches in length. 

" w Here, in the Crystal Mountain, more remote from the centre of 
igneous action, by slow, Undisturbed and long continued transudation, 
pure silicious matter has segregated its atoms into cavities, joints and 
fissures, assuming, at the same time, the peculiar, regular, mathemati- 
cal form, which this chemical substance is prone to take, when left to 
undisturbed disposition of its particles — a beautiful and gigantic illus- 
tration of that wonderful law in mineralogy by which every substance, 
in a state of purity and rest, arranges its particles in definite and regu- 
lar geometrical solids, the facets of which often possess a lustre equal 

*A term used by the Crystal-hunters synonymously with crystal. 



58 THE HOT SPRINGS A.S THEY ARE. 

to the highest polish, and are inclined at angles peculiar to each particu- 
lar species. 

"It is evident, from the analysis of the deposit made by the water 
of the Hot Springs, that most of the silica it holds in solution is not 
deposited as rapidly as the carbonate of lime ; for, though the amount 
of silica and iu soluble silicates held in solution in the water, falls but 
little short of the carbonate of lime, yet in the tufaceous deposit only a 
fraction of one per cent, of silica* is present ; hence, much of this sub- 
stance must be carried away by Hot Spring creek, into which all the 
springs empty, to be deposited along its course by the evaporation of 
the waters of this stream ; and it may be that, in this operation, parti- 
cles of the Whetstone Mountain are, by slow degrees, corroded and 
removed from their ancient bed, and precipitated elsewhere. 

"One thing is evident, silica forms a very frequent constituent of the 
spring, creek, and well waters of Arkansas. I detected it, in consider- 
able quantities, oozing in rivulets, down the sides of the mountain, and 
in the creek waters flowing through the main valley. 

From sixteen fluid ounces of water of the 

Crystal branch of the Walnut Fork of 

Ouachita river, where it flows in the heart 

of the region of rock crystal, I obtained by 

evaporation to dryness 0.100 grammes. 

Which lost by ignition (water and organic 

matters), 0.006 " 

Leaving earthy and saline matters 0.094 " 

From this I obtained : 

Carbonate of lime «. 0.0285 grammes. 

" magnesia 0.0080 

Silica 0.0095 " 

Sulphate of lime 0.0070 

Alumina and oxide of iron 0.0020 " 

Carbonate of potash 0.0090 " 

Sulphates and chlorides of magnesia and soda, 

and loss 0.0300 " 

0.0940 
" The quantity operated upon did not admit of estimating, with 
great exactitude, quantities of the saline matters, existing in smaller 
proportions, as sulphates and chlorides of magnesia and soda, etc. ; but 

*This is shown by the subjoined analysis of the calcareous tufa deposited by the Hot SpriDgs. 



THE HOT SPRINGS A3 THEY ARE. 59 

the above approximate result is sufficient to show the notable quan- 
tity of silica and carbonate of potash present ; the latter, the solvent of 
the silica, which is in a favorable condition to form crystals of quartz. 

" This analysis gives confirmation to an opinion which I find preva- 
lent among many of the crystal-hunters — that crystals of quartz are in 
process of formation, even at the present day, in these singular districts 
of Arkrnsas ; and I have little doubt but this peculiarity ojf its waters, 
must, more or less, stamp its influence on the constitution of its inhabi- 
tants. 

" The nearest crystalline rocks to the Hot Springs which have, as 
yet, come under my observation, are on Tiga Creek, on the confines of 
the Magnet Cove. This cove, though the area is not very extensive, 
nor yet very elevated, seems to be the center of the igneous action of 
Hot Spring county. 

" The igneous rocks occupy the depressed portion only of the Cove, 
and the lower subordinate ridges. The higher ridges, by which the 
Cove is bounded on the north, are composed, in a great part, of the 
novaculite rock. A continuation of this ridge extends, on the west 
side of the Cove, from section 8, through the southern part of section 
7, township 3, south of range 17 west; and thence, through the east 
portion of section 13, into section 24, township 3, south of range 18 
west. A portion of this ridge seems to be composed of a greenish 
coarse-textured rock, resembling clinkstone, known under the name of 
the ' Mountain Rock;" but I believe, when this region is surveyed in 
detail, that the great body of the rock in this ridge will be found to be 
some modification of novaculite, or bluish-gray quartzite. South of the 
Cove, at Rockport, a great wall of true novaculite runs into the river 
Ouachita, on the east side, with an outline on the opposite side, form- 
ing as complete natural abutments for a bridge as could possibly be 
desired. 

"Were it not for the fissured condition of the rock, a very fine 
quantity of honestone could be procured at this locality. 

" This conspicuous wall of Ouachita honestone forms quite a pictur- 
esque object. It is probable that this is the locality whence the name 
' Ouachita oilstone,'* was originally derived. 

" There is, probably, no portiou of Arkansas that affords a greater 
variety of minerals than Magnet Cove. Here, in a circumscribed area 
of less than two miles, we found : 



60 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



Black garnets, crystallized. Iron pyrites, crystallized and amor- 
Green, yellow and black mica, crystal- phous. 

lized. Strontianite ? crystallized and amor- 
Schorlamite, crystallized. "phous. 

Quartz, crystallized. Arkansite, crystallized and amorphous. 

Lydianstone, Eloeolite, crystallized. a. 

Agate, Actinolite, " 

Pyroxine, crystallized. Epidote, " 

Hornblende, " Arragonite. " 
Talc. 

ib Magnetic iron ore, and, no doubt, many other minerals exist, not 
yet enumerated. The most prevelant rocks are : 

Novaculite, Milky quartz. Hornblende rock. 

Quartzite. Chert. " porphyry. 

Sienite. Burrstone. " slate. 

Granite. Kieselschiefer. Schorlamite rock. 

" The magnetic iron ore occurs in large bodies, occupying a surface 
area, a little to the center of the Cove, of four to five acres, over which 
the whole ground is strewed exclusively with the finest specimens of 
this ore, much of which has polarity. The soil in this part of the 
Cove is of a dark chocolate-brown, from the large amount of oxide of 
iron present. 

" Titanic acid is abundantly disseminated amongst the minerals of 
the Magnet Cove. It enters not only into the composition of the mag- 
netic iron ore, but occurs, crystallized in its purest variety, containing 
only a mere trace of silica. The specimens collected and analyzed 
appear, indeed, to be the purest form of Brookite or Arkansite on 
record, as the quantity of silica separated was almost inappreciable on 
the most delicate chemical balance ; and neither oxide of iron or alumina 
could be detected in appreciable quantities. 

"In some parts of Magnet Cove, the magnetic needle is strongly 
affected, not only in its vertical dip, but in its horizontal deflection. 

" The Fourche Cove furnishes a very fine specimen of Kaoline, or 
porcelain clay, derived from the decomposition of felspar. This material 
seems to exist in considerable quantities at the locality where I had an 
opportunity of inspecting it ; and, from the felspathic character of much 
of the rock of this cove, I have little doubt that it might be found in 
many new localities where it has not yet been discovered. 

" Noble quarries of granite could be opened, both on the north slope 
of the waters of Hurricane and Lost Creek. At this latter locality, 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 61 

some very good millstones have been got out, which, though not equal 
to the burr millstone, make nevertheless excellent stones for grinding 
corn. 

" All that is wanted, in order to establish an extensive business in 
supplying, not only the State of Arkansas, but the whole South and 
West, with the most substantial of building materials, is cheap and 
easy communication between the quarries and Little Rock, where the 
granite blocks could either be shipped on the Arkansas river, or trans- 
ported on the lines of railroad which, no doubt, must soon concentrate 
in that place. 

"One of the most interesting geological regions of Hot Spring 
county, and indeed of the State, is the Magnet Cove, to which I have 
already alluded in speaking of the principal localities of crystal- 
line rocks throughout the State. This ' Cove ' is interesting, not 
only on account of the large body of magnetic iron ore which exists 
there, but also for the great variety of minerals and crystalline rocks 
which the region furnishes, of which a list is given. Among them 
all the pure crystalline forms of Titanic acid are rendered the 
most important by their extensive use now in dentistry. Some of 
the crystals of this mineral have been analyzed and proved to be as 
pure a form of Titanic acid, if not purer, than any on record. 

"The center and southern part of the ' Cove,' nearly on sections 19 
and 20, township 3 south, range 17 west, is a fine agmultural region, 
being the farm formerly occupied by J. S. Conway, and now owned by 
Mr. Mitchell. On the east part of section 20, there is a great bed of 
magnetic iron ore, some of which exhibits polarity. It is not exposed 
iu a high hill or mountain, as in Missouri, but is on the same level with 
the cultivated fields adjoining, occupying a superficial area of the imme- 
diate surface of about eight acres ; the ground over this area being 
exclusively covered with fragments and blocks of magnetic iron ore 
occasionally mixed with loadstone. Beneath the surface it extends to 
an unknown depth. It has been penetrated from four to five feet with- 
out finding any change of the material, except that the loadstones seem 
to be more abundant on the surface. 

u An analysis has been made of the magnetic iron ore with the fol- 
lowing results : 



62 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



Insoluble matter 3.20 

Moisture 1.00 

Peroxide of iron 67.20 

Protoxide of iron 24.46 

Manganese .30 

Titantic acid 1.20 ^ 

Alumina .45 

Lime, magnesia and loss .... 2.19 

100.00 

" The lapping of the arable land on the margin of the magnetic iron 
ore conceals its relation to the adjacent rocks ; but from the minerals 
ploughed up in the fields on the south and southeast, the magnetic iron 
ore seems to be surrounded, in part at least, with mica slates. Along 
with the large flakes of this mineral, brought to the surface by the 
plough, are beautiful crystal of augite, and black garnets. 

" Adjoining the flucan of mica is a schorlamite granite. On the 
west part of section 19, where this rock is exposed in the bed of Cove 
creek, some galena is reported to have been found ; but none of any 
consequence was discovered when I examined the ' Cove.' 

" A short distance on the west side of Cove creek, on the west part 
of section 19, a heavy vein of calc spar can be traced 400 yards ; and 
adjoining it, especially on the west, a great variety of minerals can be 
found, amongst which the ores of Titanium are the most interesting. 
Still further to the west and south, different varieties of granitic and 
augitic rocks prevail, succeeded on the northwest by the so-called 
4 Mountain rock,' passing into quartzite and novaculite. 

" On the west side of the ; Cove,' near Powers's stand, very pure 
specimens of crystals of Titanic acid were found. Half a mile beyond 
Powers's on the Rockport road, the varieties of quartzite and novacu- 
lite rock commence, and continue most of the way to Rockport, where 
the novaculite rock forms natural abutments on the Ouachita river 
already mentioned. 

" On the south side of Ouachita river, sections 34, 35 and 36, town- 
ship 3 south, range 18 west, there is a complete labyrinth of high ridges, 
composed also of quartz and novaculite. 

" Towards the north up Cove creek, the rock is mostly slate, mixed 
with a kind of greenstone trap. 

" On Moses Wood's farm there is a considerable vein of iron pyrites, 
which traverses a slate near the bed of Cove creek ; this vein also con- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 63 

tains some graphite and oxide of iron. Its course is 10 to 20 degrees 
east of south. In the vein there is a kind of green soft flucan, com- 
posed of the debris of green tale and chlorite slate, and a light, porus, 
ferruginous, cherty rock, mixed with iron pyrites. The vein is about 
four yards wide. It is probable that the true course of the vein is very 
nearly north and south, since there is a strong magnetic disturbance, 
which prevents the needle from traversing, and deflects it, in some 
places, at. least 45 degrees to the east. 

" When Dr. Conway laid off the line between Moses Wood's and 
Ashbrook's place, he found the deviation so great that he had to make 
an offset before he could make a true north and south line. 

" Between the Hot Springs and Gulfer creek, on the road to Magnet 
Cove, the rock is mostly reddish slate." 

" Near the Fairchild's Mineral Spring, the rock is a kind of quartz 
porphyry, amongst which a calc spar rock is also found. 

'• This mineral water was tested at the fountain-head, and the main 
constituents found to be 

Subcarbonate of soda, Sulphate of magnesia (Epson 

Chloride of sodium (common salts), 

salt), Trace of free sulphuretted hy- 

Sulphuret of sodium, drogen. 
Bicarbonate of lime, 

"This is very strong alkaline, saline, sulphuretted water; the alka- 
line effect being the most prominent in its medical properties. 

" The so called ' Upper Chalybeate Fairchild's Spring' was tested, 
and found to contain pretty much the same ingredients, only less sul- 
phates. There was not much iron. 

"The Lower 'Chalybeate' contains rather more iron than any of 
the springs, but still a very small proportion. 

"The so-called Sulphur Spring in the Magnet Cove, on the property 
of Andrew Mitchell, section 19, township 2 south, range 17 west, was 
also tested qualitatively at the fountain-head, and found to be an alka- 
line, saline water, similar in its properties to the Main Fairchild's 
Spring, but less strongly impregnated with alkalies. 

" Dr. Mitchell's Chalybeate Spring, on Stone-quarry creek, was also 
tested and the main constituents found to be 



64 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THET ARE. . 

Bicarbonate of iron, Chloride of sodium (common 
Bicarbonate of lime, ..salt), 

Bicarbonate of magnesia, Sulphate of soda, 

Subcarbonate of soda, Sulphate of magnesia, 

" A mineral water was also tested one mile south of Powers's stand, 
and was found to be likewise alkaline, saline water, with a trace of 
sulphuretted hydrogen, the principal constituents being 

Bicarbonate of lime, Sulphate of soda. 

Bicarbonate of magnesia, Chloride of sodium ('common 
Subcarbonate of soda, salt) . 

Sulphate of magnesia, 

" This spring differs from the Mitchell Spring in containing less 
chloride of sodium. 

u About one mile north of Rockport, tertiary limestone make their 
appearance on the side of a hill, near the Chalybeate Spring/ Thjs is 
the most northerly point in Hot Spring county where I have been able 
to detect this formation, though the water in a well dug at Mr. Wood's 
place, in Magnet Cove, is hard limestone water, so that it is not improba- 
ble that, these calcareous rocks may be found further north. 

"Soils were collected for chemical analysis, both from Andrew 
Mitchell's aud Wilmoth Mitchell's farms, viz., from sections 20 and 
township 3 south, range 17 west ; but time has not yet permitted the 
completion of the analysis of these soils." 



WHO OWN THE HOT SPEINGS. 

The question of title has been so long in dispute, and there are so 
many claimants, law suits and opinions concerning them, that I do 
not care here to give an opinion as to the validity of any. I will give 
more information, however, concerning the title, by copying from 
public documents, etc., the law, correspondence and evidence, than 
has ever been printed for public distribution, and enough to give a 
clear outline of this long-contested and still unsettled dispute. 

All the citizens of the Valley feel exceedingly anxious to have this 
matter settled, and do not hesitate to say to one and all, first and 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 65 

last, that they wish the Government to take possession of the prop- 
erty at once. It is feared that it will now be allowed to drag along in 
the Court of Claims, and then in the Supreme Court of the United 
States for several years, io the advantage of a few claimants and the 
detriment of the place and invalid visitors. 

Ex- Gov. Rector (one of the claimants) has kindly furnished me 
with a brief outline of the basis of three claims, and the objections 
to each, which fairly states the case 4 , and those who feel enough in- 
terest in the matter to follow through, will find much that is interest- 
ing and instructive, and many items pertaining to the early history of 
Hot Springs. 

The following is the history of the respective claims, by Ex Gov. 
H. M. Rector : 

"In 1832, Congress reserved from sale the Hot Springs and the 
adjacent four sections of land. 

" There are three claims preferred to these Springs, by individuals, 
all anti-dating the act of reservation. Hence, the inquiry is now be- 
fore the Court of Claims, at Washington, and by appeal, goes to the 
Supreme Court. 

" These private claims respectively are preferred by John C. Hale, 
who claims as the assignee of John Perciful, under a pre-emption 
act passed by Congress in 1814, giving to those settlers who had 
actually inhabited and cultivated prior to that Act, a preference 
right to enter when the land should be offered for sale, one hundred 
and sixty acres, embracing the land so inhabited and cultivated. 

" The principal objections urged to this are : First, that the land 
at the Hot Springs, being Indian land in 1814, was not subject to 
pre-emption. Second, that the claimant had not proved to the satis- 
faction of the Register and Receiver that Perciful did actually in- 
habit and cultivate prior to 1814. Third, admitting the land to be 
subject to pre-emption, and the occupancy and cultivation of Perci- 
ful established, as the pre-emption act required, still the reservation 
made in 1832 is operative as to that claim, because neither payment 
nor proof of settlement having been made, up to 1832, the United 
States impaired no vested right in withdrawing the land from market. 

" Chronologically, the next claim in order is that of H. M. Rector, 
derived from his father, Elias Rector, of St. Louis, Mo., who, on the 
16th day of February, 1820, had surveyed and located ou the Hot 



66 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

Springs what is known among western land titles as a New Madrid 
warrant. 

l ' The authority to locate this warrant is derived from Act of Con 
gress, passed 17th February, 1815, for the relief of those whose 
lands were injured at New Madrid, Mo., by earthquakes, in the year 
1811. 

" This law required the party to prove to the satisfaction of the 
Recorder of Land Titles for Missouri that their land was materially 
injured, upon which proof made, the Recorder gave to the claimant 
a certificate, stating that he was authorized to locate a stated number 
of acres of land upon any of the public lands in Missouri Territory, 
the sale of which was authorized by law. 

" The New Madrid Act farther required that the claimant should 
apply to the United States Surveyor for said Territory to locate his 
warrant by actual survey ; and that wheresoever the location should 
have been made, the injured land at New Madrid should be conveyed 
by the claimant to the United States ; providing, also, that the claim- 
ant should pay the expenses of making the location, and that the 
Surveyor should return to said Recorder a 'notice and plat' of 
each location made ; that the Recorder should record the same in his 
office, and give the claimant a patent certificate for the land thus 
located. ' 

" Rector's location is for two hundred arpents of land, being equal 
to one hundred and sixty-nine acres ; lays in a square over the 
Hot Springs, including all of them, the main hot spring being in the 
center of the square. 

" The objections to this claim, as urged by the other claimants and 
the United States, is that Congress reserved the land before the Sur- 
veyor returned his location to the Recorder ; to which Rector replies, 
that he performed all the acts required of him under the law, and is 
not responsible for the laches of the government's own officers, over 
whom he|had no control. That his location was actually made on 
the ground by lawful authority. That the land, in 1820, was public 
land, the sale of which was authorized by law, it having been ceded 
to the United States in 1818 by the Quapaw Indians ; and that having 
thus made his location, and, as an equivalent, conveyed his injured 
land to the Government, he has, in equity, a vested right, which re- 
mains unaffected by the reservation of 1832, twelve years subsequent 
to his location. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 67 

" The third claim is that of William H. Gaines, who asserts title 
to the Springs as assignee of one Ludovicus Belding. 

" In 1828, Belding leased the Springs from John Perciful, for five 
years ; and in 1829, and up to February, 1830, occupied the prem- 
ises. 

"In February, 1830, Belding sold the remainder of his lease, and 
moved to the Gulpha, eight miles distant. There the Belding family 
have still the old place, cultivated by their father in 1829-30. 

" In April or May, 1830, Congress passed an Act granting pre- 
emptions to those occupants of the public lands who had cultivated 
the same in 1829. 

" Under this Act, Gaines, as assignee of Belding's heirs, claimed 
title to the Springs. There are a variety of objections urged to these 
claims. 

"First: That the other claims are older, and therefore take pre- 
cedence. Second : That Belding, being the tenant of Perciful, could 
acquire no right for himself, but only, if at all, for Perciful, his land- 
lord. Third : That the facts of occupancy and cultivation by Beld- 
ing has not been established according to law. Fourth — and per- 
haps the most formidable objection is, that the Act of reservation 
was done and made, when Belding, by lapse of time and by the ex- 
piration of the Act of 1830, had no vested title to the land. 

"Then, when the reservation was made, it seems that he had 
neither paid for the land, nor offered any proof of his settlement 
right. 

"All the claims include all the hot water; and Hale and Gaines 
claim the same tracts — the sw. qr. of sec. 32, township 2 south, range 
19 west — containing one hundred and sixty-nine acres." 

Next will be found a copy of the instructions of the Hon. Alex. 
H. H. Stewart, Secretary of the Interior, to the Hon. J. Butter- 
field, United States Land Commissioner, in 1851, concerning the 
granting of an entry to the heirs of L. Belding, and stating the con- 
ditions on which it should be given. Commissioner Butterfiehfs letter 
of instructions to the officers of the Land Office at Washington, 
Ark., comes next; then the certificate of entry, with receipt and 
conditions of same. Next will be found a very interesting review of 
the case, in the report of Hon. Joseph S. Wilson, United States Land 
Commissioner to the Hon. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of Interior, 
in 1860, and Secretary Thompson's reply, which is full and decisive ; 



68 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

after which [a copy of a deed given Joseph Paxton b}' John 
Perciful, of the quarter section of land on which the Hot Springs 
are situated. Lastly, a copy of the Act of Congress placing the 
whole matter in the Court of Claims. My excuse for taking so much 
space for this subject, is because of its great importance, and the 
impossibility of stating the case satisfactorily in less. The informa- 
tion is reliable, and enables the reader to understand the history of 
the claims of the different claimants, and the position of the Govern- 
ment of the United States. 

It is now a matter of national importance, and it is the duty of 
every citizen to assist in bringing about a final decision, that will do 
the greatest good to the greatest number and at the same time justice 
to all. 

The following is a true copy of the instructions of Secretary Stu- 
art to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, regarding the 
certificate issued to Belding's heirs : 

Department of the Interior, ) 
Washington, November 21, 1851. j" 

To the Commissioner of the General Land Office ; 

Sir: Upon consultation with the Attorney General, and after full 
consideration of the application of A. H. Lawrence, Esq.. attorney 
for the heirs of Ludovicus Belding, one of the claimants to the Hot 
Springs of Arkansas, on appeal from your decision of the 15th ult., 
against permitting said heirs to make an entry, under the Acts of the 
29th of May, 1830, and July 14th, 1832, I have concluded that it 
will be proper, and in accordance with precedent, to permit them to 
do so ; and you will, therefore, instruct? the Register and Receiver 
accordingly. Said entry will remain subject to the same power of 
revision and control by the General Land Office and this Department 
as may be lawfully exercised over any other ordinary entry. The 
Government will still hold the ultimate power of protecting its own 
rights, while the claimants will merely be placed in a position to con- 
test the adverse claims of others to the same land. 

I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant, 

ALEX. H. H. STUART, Secretary. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 69 



General Land Office, November 25, 1851. 

Gentlemen: The papers accompanying your letters of the 18th 
and 24th of March last, in reference to the claims to the Hot Springs, 
in Arkansas, having been submitted to the 'Secretary of the Interior 
for his action on the legal point in the case, to-wit : the reservation of 
the land by Congress, they were returned to this office for its decision 
on the respective merits of the pre-emption claims, irrespective of 
this question. On the 26th day of August last, this office returned 
the papers with its decision, adverse to the claim of the heirs of 
John Perciful, and in favor of that of the heirs of Ludovicus field- 
ing ; it agreeing with you both as to the establishment of the fact of 
cultivation in 1829, and possession on the 29th May, 1830, and re- 
garding the objections of the Receiver, founded upon the opinion 
that these acts were performed as the tenant of another, as not effect- 
ing the validity of the claim. 

On the 14th ult., this office received the opinion and decision of 
the Secretary of the Interior, dated the 10th of that month, in which 
he sustains the existing validity of the Act of 20th April, 1832, it 
not having been repealed or affected by any subsequent laws, and 
that therefore none of the claims preferred for this land are of any 
legality. 

On the said 14th ult., an application was made by the attorney of 
the heirs of Belding for permission to make an entry of claim, "in 
order that the} 7 may be placed in a proper position for the assertion 
of their rights hereafter in the courts, stating that, of course, under 
the decision Secretary, they would not ask for a patent. This was 
refused by this office, and an appeal from that action was taken to the 
Secretary of the Interior, who, on the 21st inst., addressed this office 
a letter, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. 

In accordance with the direction of the Secretary, herein contained, 
you are instructed to permit the heirs of Ludovicus Belding to make 
payment for the sw. qr. sec. 33, township 2 south, range 19 west, con- 
taining one hundred and sixty acres; and in addition to the ordinary 
entry thereof upon your books, and the return to this office, you will 
note the fact of its interference with the New Madrid location of 
Langlois ; of its embracing land directed to be reserved by the Act 
of the 20th of April, 1832, and that said entry is permitted under the 



70 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

Secretary's decision of the 21st November, 1851, similar annotation 
will be made on the Receiver's receipt and the Register's certificate. 
Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. BUTTERFIELD, Commissioner. 



receiver s receipt. 

Receiver's Office, at Washington, Ark.) 
December 19, 1851. \ 

No. 6545. 

Received from Maria Gaines (wife of William H. Gaines, formerly 
Maria Belding), Albert Belding, Henry Belding and George Belding, 
the heirs and legal representatives of Ludovicus Belding,deceasccl, of 
Hot Spring county, in the State of Arkansas, the sum of two hun- 
dred dollars, in full for the southwest quarter of section thirty-three 
(33), in township two (2) south, of range nineteen (19) west, con- 
taining one hundred and sixty (160) acres, according to the return 
of the Surveyor General, at $1.25 per acre. According to instruc- 
tions, I note that this entry interferes with the New Madrid location 
of Francis Langlois on the same land ; and also that it embraces 
lands directed to be reserved by the Act of Congress of 20th April, 
1832, and is only permitted to be made under the decision of the Sec- 
retary of the Interior, under date November 21, 1851, and the in- 
structions of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, under 
date November 25, 1851, in accordance with said decision. 

B. F. HEMPSTEAD, Receiver. 



copy of the agreement on which the belding heirs received their 

certificate. 

Land Office, Washington, Ark.,) 
December 19, 1851. j 

No. 6545. 

We, Maria Gaines, (wife of William H. Gaines, late Maria Beld- 
ing,) Albert Belding, Henry Belding and George Belding, heirs and 
legal representatives of Ludovicus Belding, deceased, of Hot Spring 
county, Arkansas, do hereby apply to purchase the southwest quarter 
of section thirty-three (33), in township two (2) south, of range nine- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 71 

teen (19) west, as containing one hundred and sixty acres, for which 
we have agreed with the Register, acting under instructions from the 
Commissioner of the General Land Office, bearing date the 25th of 
November, 1851, to give at the rate of one dollar and twenty-five 
cents per acre. A. BELDING, 

MARIA GAINES, 
HENRY BELDING, 
GEORGE BELDING. 

I, William H. Etter, Register of the Land Office, at Washington, 
Ark., do hereby certify that the tract above mentioned is sold as con- 
taining one hundred and sixty acres, as mentioned above, and the 
price agreed upon is one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. 

WILLIAM H. ETTER, Register. 

Note. — In accordance with instructions, I note the interference of 
this entry with the New Madrid location of Langlois ; of its em- 
bracing land directed to be reserved by the Act of 20th April, 1832, 
and that the entry is permitted to be made under the decision of the 
Seretaty of the Interior, of the 21st of November, 1851, transmitted 
to this office by the Commissioner of the General Land Office, under 

date of 20th November, 1851. 

WILLIAM H. ETTER, Eegister. 



COMMISSIONER JOS. S. W T ILSON TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. 

Review of the Case by the United States Land Commissioner, 
giving the facts as the case stood in 1860. 

General Land Office, April 27, 1860. 

Hon. Jacob Thompson, Searetary of the Interior: 

Sir: A motion has been made before this office by John Wilson 
and Henry May, Esqs., as attorneys in behalf of the heirs of Ludo- 
vicus Belding, for a patent upon Land Office at Washington, Ark., for 
certificate No. 65-15, for the sw. qr. of sec. 33, of 2 south, range 
19 west, upon which are situated the Hot Springs. I have the honor 
to submit said motiou and the papers for }'our consideration and 
decision, with the following observations : 

It is hardly necessary to say that this office has no power to decide 
upon said motion, when it is considered that the claim of said heirs, 



72 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



as well as the claims of all other claims before him, were finally ad- 
judicated and rejected by Secretary Stuart, as will appear from his 
communication to this office, dated 10th of October, 1851. I 
propose now to lay the motion, with the papers, before the head of 
the department, the same power that exercised the final action iii^ the 
case as already mentioned, together with a report comprising a brief 
history of the facts in the case, and the views of this office in refer- 
ence to said motion for a patent. In this report it is not deemed 
necessary to go behind the action of this office in submitting the case 
to Secretary Stuart. 

On the 10th day of October, 1851, as before stated, Secretary 
Stuart decided that the heirs of Belding had no right to the land for 
which a patent is now asked, under the provisions of the Act of 29th 
of May, 1830, because that Act had expired by limitation before the 
land was surveyed in 1838 ; and that they had no right under the 
Act of July 14th, 1832, because, prior to its passage, to-wit : on the 
20th April, 1832, Congress passed an Act tw that the Hot Springs, in 
the said Territory [of Arkansas], together with four sections of 
land, including said Springs, as near the center thereof as may be, 
shall be reserved for the future disposal of the United States, and 
shall not be entered, located or appropriated for any other purposes 
whatever. 

In deciding against the validity of the New Madrid location and 
Cherokee pre-emption claim, on account of said reservation, the 
Secretary said that the Act of 1832, " not only reserved the Hot 
Springs and the adjacent four sections of land for the future disposal 
of the United States, but absolutely prohibits, in the most emphatic 
terms, its entry." 

He says Wk it is difficult to conceive language more explicit than this, 
or more positive. It was obviously the purpose of Congress to sever 
these four sections, including the Hot Springs, from the mass of the 
public domain, and place them in such a condition that they could 
be reunited to it, or otherwise disposed of, only by the action of Con- 
gress.'''' 

The letter goes on to show that the certificate issued to Belding 
was to place the Belding heirs on a proper footing, in court, in their 
suits against other claimants, Hale and Rector ; and it was expressly 
stipulated that they did not expect, nor would ask for a patent. 



the hot springs as they are. 73 

copy of the reply of the secretary of the interior. 

Department of the Interior, ) 

Washington, June 7, 1860. j 

To the Commissioner of the General Land Office: 

Sir; Herewith I return the papers submitted with your report of 
the 27th of April last, and enclose the argument since filed in this 
Department, upon the application of the heirs of Loudovicus Beld- 
ing, for a patent upon the entry of the 19th December, 1851, by 
special certificate No. 6545, of sw. qr. of sec. 33, township 2 south, 
of range 19 west, Washington District. Arkansas, embracing the Hot 
Springs. 

The controversy has been going on for many years before this 
Department, and recently in the courts of Arkansas and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, in relation to this tract of land. Rector 
and others claim under certain locations of a New Madrid certificate, 
an alleged pre-emption right of the heirs of Ludovicus Belding ; 
and Gaines and others, on the other hand, as heirs of Ludovicus 
Belding; and the latter are at present the applicants for a patent. 

Their entry was allowed under a special order of Secretary Stuart, 
dated November 21, 1851, made on a suggestion of Attorney Gen- 
eral Crittenden (who. however, does not appear to have had the case 
regularly before him, for his advice,) although the same Secretary 
had, under date of October 10, 1851, in an elaborate opinion, de- 
cided against the recognition of all the claims that had then been set 
up, or are now before me, on the grounds that the quarter section in 
controversy had been reserved by the act of Congress of 20th April, 
1832, and no right to the land had vested in any of the claimants 
prior to that reservation. 

In 1854 the whole case was before Attorney General dishing. On 
the reference of my predecessor to him of an application by Rector, 
as assignee of Langlois, for a patent upon the location of the New 
Madrid certificate, that officer, on the 20th of August, pronounced 
an opinion sustaining Secretary Stuart's decision of October, 1851. 
which assumed that the land belonged to the United States, and for- 
bade its entry, location or appropriation for any purpose, until some 
future disposal by the United States ; that is, by authority of. the 
national legislature. The counsel of Belding's heirs, on applying for 
the entry, in 1851, after Secretary Stuart's decision adverse to their 
7 



74 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 

rights, said "it was the question of reservation which they wished to 
try in the courts." But in the litigation which has since arisen, this 
question was not an issue before the courts of Arkansas or of the 
United States. And I do not see how it can come in issue and be 
decided by litigation between parties, neither af whom have a valid 
claim, though under the laws of Arkansas, one may have a right" of 
possession in preference to others. 

This case having been repeatedly brought before this Department, 
and fully considered, and the several claims to the land having been 
repeatedly rejected, for reasons which have been concurred in by 
each succeeding head of the Department, for a series of years, I 
think the time has now arrived at which it is no longer proper to de- 
lay a vindication of the position of the Department, by appropriate 
action. The entry of the Belding heirs should, therefore, be can- 
celled ; the invalidity of all the subsisting claims to this quarter sec- 
tion declared, and undermining the subsequent allowance of an 
entry of the land by Belding's heirs. (See opinion of Attorney 
General, vol. 6, p. 697.) One point, however, in favor of Rector's 
claim was reserved by Mr. Gushing, viz : as to the validity of the 
James S. Conway survey, of July 16, 1820 ; but this survey has since 
been declared invalid and unauthorized by the Supreme Court of the 
United States, at the December term, 1859, in the case of J. C. Hale 
vs. William H. Gaines, et al. 

Thus it is shown that all the claims of the contesting parties have 
been heretofore adjudged to be invalid, and that nothing has been de- 
clared by the Attorney General, or the Supreme Court, which is in- 
consistent with the decision of October 10, 1851. That decision ap- 
pears rather to have been indicated and sustained. On a review now 
of the questions involved in the case, I concur in the decision of 
Secretary Stuart. Moreover, I am of the opinion that this Depart- 
ment had no legal authority, in 1851, to allow an entry of the land 
by the heirs of Belding, or any one else. The issuance of Washing- 
ton Certificate No. 6545, was against law, and that certificate had no 
validity as against the United States, and should not have been 
allowed. By allowing it, this Department was placed in attitude hos- 
tile to the Act of Congress of 20th April, 1832, and the land held 
subject to such disposal as Congress may see proper to direct. 

The request of the counsel for the heirs of Belding, to withdraw 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 75 

their application after the same had been fully argued by them, and 
carefully examined by me, cannot, for the same reason, be received 
with favor, and is overruled. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. THOMPSON, Secretary. 



COPY OF DEED OF JOHN PERCIFUL TO JOSEPH PAXTON. 

This Deed and Indenture made and entered into this fourth day of 
October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, 
by and between John Perciful, of the one part, and Joseph Paxton, 
of the other part, both of the Territory of Arkansas; witnesseth : 

That the said Perciful hath this day bargained, sold and conveyed, 
and bv these presents do bargain, sell and convey unto the said 
Joseph Paxton, all his right, title, claim and interest of, in and to 
the Warm Springs, upon the Ouachita river, in the county of Clark. 
in the Territory of Arkansas, together with all his rights of pre- 
emption, and every advantage that said Paxton can attain by my 
claim, which conveyance said Perciful makes to said Paxton, his 
heirs and assignes forever, for and in consideration of one thousand 
dollars, to him, the said Perciful, paid, the receipt of which is hereby 
acknowledged : To have and to hold said claims, together with all 
the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, the said Perci- 
ful warrants and defends to said Paxton, his heirs and legal represen- 
tatives, forever, for which purpose he binds himself, his heirs and 
representatives, firmly by these presents to defend against the claim 
or claims of all persons claiming of, by or through him, the said 
Perciful, and all other claims, except those of the United States, and 
other individual claims. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set ray hand and seal, the 
ith day of October, 1S24. 

JOHN PP:PC.IFUL. [Seal.] 

In presence of Witnesses? 
Allen M. Oakley, 
James S. Craig. 



76 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



AN ACT IN RELATION TO THE HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION IN ARKANSAS. 

Be it enacted, by the Senate and Bouse of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, Section I. That 
any person claiming title, either legal or equitable, to the whole or 
any part of the four sections of land constituting what is knowi\as 
the Hot Springs reservation, in Hot Spring countj^, in the State of 
Arkansas, may institute against the United States in the Court of 
Claims, and prosecute to final decision, any suit that may be neces- 
sary to settle the same : Provided, That no such suits shall be brought 
at any time after the expiration of ninety days from the passage of 
this act, and all claims to any part of said reservation upon which 
suit shall not be brought under the provisions of this Act, within that 
time, shall be forever barred. 

Sec 2. And be it farther enacted, That all such suits shall be 
by petition in the nature of a bill in equity, and shall be conducted 
and determined in all respects, except as herein otherwise provided, 
according to the rules and principles of equity practice and jurispru- 
dence in the other courts of the United States ; and for the purposes 
of this Act, the Court of Claims is hereby invested with the jurisdic- 
tion and powers exercised by courts of equity, so far as may be 
necessary to give full relief in any suit which may be instituted under 
the provisions of this Act. 

Sec 3. And be it further enacted, That notice of every suit au- 
thorized by this Act shall be executed by the delivery of a true copy 
thereof, with a copy of the petition to the Attorney General, whose 
duty it shall be, for and in behalf of the United States, to demur or 
to answer the petition therein within thirty days after the service of 
such process upon him, unless the court shall, for good cause shown , 
grant further time for filing the same. 

Sec 4. And be it further enacted. That if two or more parties 
claiming the same lands, under different rights, shall institute sep- 
arate suits under the provisions of this Act, such suits shall be con- 
solidated and tried together; and the court shall determine the 
question of title and grant all proper relief as between the respective 
claimants, as well as between each of them and the United States. 

Sec 5. And be it further enacted, That if, upon the final hearing 
of any cause provided for in this Act, the court shall decide in favor 
of the United States, it shall order such lands into the possession of 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 77 

a receiver to be appointed by the court, who shall take charge of 
and rent out the same for the United States until congress shall, by 
law, direct how the same shall be disposed of; which said receiver 
shall execute a sufficient bond, to be approved by the court, condi- 
tioned for the faithful performance of his duty as such, render a 
strict account of the manner in which he shall have discharged such 
duties, and of all moneys received by him as a receiver, as aforesaid, 
which shall be by said court approved or rejected, accordingly as it 
may be found correct or not, and pay such moneys into the treasury 
of the United States ; and he shall receive such reasonable compen- 
sation for his services as said court may allow, and in case of a fail- 
ure of said receiver to discharge any duty devolving upon him as 
such, the court shall have power to enforce the performance of the 
same by rule and attachment. But if the court shall decide in favor 
of any claimant, both as against the United States and other claim- 
ants, it shall so decree, and proceed by proper process to put such 
successful claimant in possession of such portion thereof as he may 
thus found to be entitled to ; and upon the riling of a certified copy 
of said decree with the Secretary of the Interior, he shall cause a 
patent to be issued to the party in whose favor such decree shall be 
rendered for the lands therein adjudged to him : Provided, That 
either party may, within ninety days after the rendition of any final 
judgment or decree, in any suit authorized by this Act, carry such suit 
b\ r appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, which court is 
hereby vested with full jurisdiction to hear and determine the same 
on such appeal, in the same manner and with the same effect as in 
cases of appeal in equity cases from the Circuit Court of the United 
States : And provided further, That in case the judgment or decree 
of the Court of Claims in any such suit shall be adverse to the United 
States, the Attorney General shall prosecute such appeal within the 
time above prescribed, and the taking of an appeal from such judg- 
ment or decree shall operate as a supercedas thereof until the final 
hearing and judgment of the Supreme Court thereon. 

J. G. BLAINE, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

SCHULYER COLFAX, 

Vice President of the U. S., and President of the Senate. 

[Note by the Department of State. — The foregoing Act having 



78 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY A&E. 



been presenter! to the President of the United States for his ap- 
proval, and not having been returned by him to the house of Con- 
gress in which it originated within the time prescribed by the Con 
stitution of the United States, has become a law without his ap- 
proval.] 

After reading all the foregoing documents, it is difficult to cqnie 
to any conclusion except that the title to the four sections of land, 
which includes the Hot Springs, is in the government of the United 
States. 

The Act of April 20, 1832, reserved them for the future disposal 
of the United States, and they can only be disposed of by an Act of 
Congress. Congress has never passed an Act making any disposi- 
tion of them whatsoever ; hence, the answer to the question which 
heads this article, viz : " Who own the Hot Springs, 1 ' is given in 
two words — The People, 

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. 

Almost to a man, at the Hot Springs, the earnest desire is for the 
government of the United States to lake immediate possession of 
these lands and Springs, and not allow them to continue for years in 
the Court of Claims and the Supreme Court of the United States. If 
the claimants prove a title satisfactory to the courts, the Government 
can pay them for the property. These Springs never should be 
under the entire control of individuals. 

All the claimants have more or less trouble about collecting land 
rents from their tenants. Two cases, recently tried before juries in 
the local Justice's court, have been decided against the claimants, 
viz : W. H. Gaines vs. J. Brantley, and W. H. Gaines vs. Phillip A. 
Helfrich, both decided in favor of defendants. 

These decisions only add fuel to the fire, and may cause the claim- 
ants to refuse leasing ground to others, however willing they may be 
to pay the exorbitant rent, fearing the same result. This would pre- 
vent the improvement of the place to accommodate the increased 
number of visitors and the growing business. The situation is not 
encouraging. 

If the settlement is to be made in the Court of Claims or the Su- 
preme Court, the people here have but little hope for years to come. 
Congress alone can remedy the trouble, and the people expect them 
to $o their duty. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 79 

THE ADJACENT COUNTRY. 

The country immediately around the springs is very much broken 
and very little good farming land is found except on the creek and river 
bottoms. The nearest to the springs is five to seven miles on the Oua- 
chita river, a beautiful stream that within seven miles of the springs 
can furnish water-power enough to manufacture into cloth all the cotton 
raised in the State. The bottom lands, when well cultivated, produce 
one to one and a half bales of cotton, or fifty to seventy-five bushels of 
corn to the acre. Whilst these large crops can be raised, there are but 
few farmers who reach over half that quantity. To the farmer, who 
understands how to farm for profit, and will do it, this country offers 
fine inducements — especially to those with little means. Government 
lands can be had under the homestead law within five miles of the 
springs, and an industrious man can more than make a good living for 
his family if he has a team, cow, tools and six months' provisions to 
start with. The timber is mostly pine, oak, gum, elm and hickory, and 
when cut into cord wood sells for $3.00 per cord, delivered at the 
springs. The rough lands, that a prairie farmer would not take as a 
gift, have coves on most every quarter section of five to twenty-five 
acres, where good crops of vegetables and corn can be raised, and more 
money made on ten acres than from eighty to one hundred and sixty 
acres of wheat and corn in the western States away from good markets. 
The range for stock is good, they live and do well on less than half 
the grain required in the more northern States. Many do not feed any 
grain to their cattle, but the consequence is that they are very poor and 
very cheap. Yearlings, $5.00 ; two-year old, $10.00 ; three and over, 
$12.00 to $20.00 ; cows with calf, $15.00 to $50 .00. 

The climate and soils of this country are well adapted to fruit-grow* 
ing. Good orchards and vineyards would bring a fortune to their 
owners in a few years. Apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums apri- 
cots, nectarines and all the berries do well. The grape is here at 
home, the finest to be found anywhere grows wild and in abundance. 
To the first who makes a business of fruit-growing, the Hot Springs will 
furnish a good market, and before an over-supply can be raised the 
railroads will open up markets in all directions, north for early varie- 
ties, and the south for fall and winter. The fruit here ripens several 
weeks before the fruit sections of Illinois, Missouri and Michigan, and 
sells for high prices. Twenty-four hours time will place them from the 
trees into the best markets of the west. 



80 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



LANDS OF THE CAIRO AND FULTON RAILROAD CO, 

This company have in what was Hot Spring county, 189,295 acres 
of land. The county now being divided, and the new county of Gar- 
land taking part of each of the counties of Hot Spring, Montgomery 
and Saline, it is supposed they have about 125,000 acres in what 
is now Garland county. These lands are now being offered for sale at 
prices averaging from $2.00 to $10.00 per acre, on liberal terms to 
actual settlers. In the pamphlet ( u The Lands in the South ") published 
by the Land Department of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company. 
is given an account of their lands and a description of the counties 
through which their road runs. The following is what they say of 
Hot Spring county : 

"This is the most remarkable county in the State, and perhaps in 
the United States, the justly celebrated Hot Springs, fifty-four in num- 
ber, being situated here. There are also, chalybeate and sulphur 
springs in this county of great popularity. These springs possess 
wonderful medicinal properties ; and the cures produced by them of 
stubborn chronic diseases, that have resisted all attempts at cure, are 
truly astonishing. Eminent medical authorities assert that there are 
thousands of afflicted persons in the United States, who can only hope 
to secure relief by a resort to the waters of these springs. This fact, 
together with the additional fact that the climate here, especially in the 
summer season, is unsurpassed for salubrity, render it certain that at 
no distant day a city will spring upon the surrounding mountain slopes 
which will be the Baden-Baden of America. 

" The surface of this country is generally mountainous, except some 
bottoms on the Ouachita river and its tributaries. These bottoms pro- 
duce fine crops of cotton and grain, the uplands and mountains being 
well adapted to stock-raising. The timber growth is mostly oak, hick- 
ory and dogwood. There is probably no portion of Arkansas where 
such a rarity of minerals exists as at Magnet Cove in this county. Here 
are found honestone, titanic acid, black garnets, quartz, agate, iron 
pyrites, magnetic iron ore, some of which exhibits polarity, and is 
believed to be nearly as extensive as at Shepard Mountain, Missouri.' 7 

Parties thinking of settling here, and having any idea of buying lands, 
can get an exploring ticker, and the price paid for it applied on the pur- 
chase of land, should they conclude to buy. Valuable information can 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 81 

be found in their pamphlet, which will be sent to any one on application 
to the Land Commissioner of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company, 
Little Rock, Ark. 



HOW TO GET TO HOT SPEINGS. 

Persons living in the middle and northeastern States have choice of 
two routes, via Louisville or St. Louis. At the former they connect 
with the Louisville and Great Southern Railroad to Memphis, thence 
via Memphis and Little Rock Railroad to Little Rock, when a ride of 
forty-three miles over the Cairo and Fulton will take them to Malvern, the 
nearest railroad station to Hot Springs. The Louisville and Great 
Southern and Memphis and Little Rock Railroads are now running 
through Pullman coaches from Louisville to Little Rock, crossing the 
Mississippi river on a boat at Memphis, making this a much more 
pleasant route for invalids than heretofore. Those preferring the route 
via St. Louis take the Iron Mountain and Cairo and Fulton Railroads 
and make no chauge between St. Louis and Malvern — the bridge over 
the Arkansas river at Little Rock being finished. Pullman day and 
sleeping palace cars on every train. From the northern or western 
States by St. Louis or Cairo, at either point via Cairo and Fulton to 
Malvern, or by steamboat to Memphis, thence Memphis and Little 
Rock and Cairo and Fulton Railroads to Malvern. From the southern 
States via Memphis and Little Rock and Cairo and Fulton as before 
stated. From Texas and northwest Louisiana to Texarkana, thence 
by Cairo and Fulton Rpilroad to Malvern. At Malvern passengers have 
the choice of the Concord coaches of the El Paso Stage Company or 
the comfortable hacks of the Opposition Line. The seats of these 
hacks are so arranged as to make comfortable beds for invalids who are 
not able to set up. The hacks and coaches are always ready on the 
arrival of the trains from the north, and after giving ample time for 
breakfast, start on the twenty-one miles drive for Hot Springs. 

WHAT IT COSTS TO GET TO HOT SPRINGS. 

Below will be found through rates of fair from most of the impor- 
tant railroad points of the United States to Malvern, the nearest rail- 
8 



82 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



road station to the Hot Springs. If they cannot get through tickets, 
and can get them to Little Rock, take off $2.15 (the fair from Little 
Rock to Malvern). Any one wishing to know the full fair from their 
homes, can add the local fair from their railroad station to the nearest 
place named. The stage or hack fair from Malvern to Hot Springs is 
now $3.00, but is subject to a change ; sometimes it is as low as $£ 00* 
The best way is to buy tickets only to Malvern, and have choice of 
lines from there to the springs. 

THROUGH RATES OF FAIR TO MALVERN, ARKANSAS. 



Adrain, Mich $ 34 

Ann Arbor, Mich 36 

Akron, Ohio 3G 

Alliance, Ohio 37 

Altoona, Pa 41 

Alton, Ills 20 

Aurora, Ills 29 

Auburn, N. Y 43 

Albany, N. Y 45 

Austin, Minn 37 

Athens, Ga 

Albany, Ga 

Atlanta, Ga 

Alexandria, Va 

Atchison, Kansas 

Baltimore, Md 42 

Boston, Mass 49 

Buffalo, N. Y 41 

Bloomington, Ills 25 

Burlington, Iowa 27 

Boonville, Mo .28 i 

Bridgeport, Conn 47 

Battle Creek, Mich 31 

Bristol,$Tenn 34 

Beaufort, S. C 43 

Brunswick, Ga 44 

Bellefontaine, Ohio 32 

Cairo, Ills 14 

Chicago, Ills 30 

Charleston, S, C 43 

Columbia, S. C 39 

Columbus, Ohio . 32 

Cleveland, Ohio 36 

Cincinnati, Ohio 28 

Columbus, Miss 21 

Chattanooga, Tenn 25 

Council Bluffs, Iowa 36 

Corry, Pa 39 



40 
15 
45 
75 
15 
65 
65 
65 
15 
70 
'65 
80 
90 
15 
65 
15 
15 
15 
75 
05 
,00 

40 
15 
40 
15 
90 
25 
85 
15 
65 
15 
90 
90 
90 
15 
90 
65 
80 



Detroit, Mich 36 

Dayton, Ohio . 28 

Decatur, Ills 24 

Davenport, Iowa 28 

Dubuque, Iowa 31 

Des Moines, Iowa 31 

Denver, Col 73 

Danville, Ya 45 

Decatur, Ala 19 

Erie, Pa 39 

Evansville, Ind 24 

Elmira, N. Y 41 

Emporia, Kansas 38 

Elgin, Ills '. 31 

Ft. Wayne, Ind 31 

Ft. Dodge, Iowa 35 

Ft. Scott, Kansas 32 

Franklin, Tenn 22 6 

Fernandina, Fla 51 

Galena, Ills 31 

Galesburg, Ills 26 

Green Bay, Wis 37 

Grafton, W. Ya 39 

Goldsboro, N. C 45 

Hannibal, Mo 26 

Hartford, Ct 47 

Huntsville, Ala 21 

Harper's Ferry, Ya 41 

Holly Springs, Miss 14 

Harrisburg, Pa 41 

Iowa City, Iowa.... 30 

Indianapolis, Ind 37 

Jackson, Tenn 15 



Jacksonville, Fla 

Jackson, Miss 

Jefferson City, Mo 

J effe rson ville, Ind 

Junction City, Kansas.. 



Go 
70 
00 
25 
65 
90 
15 
40 
80 
05 
90 
15 
00 
15 
75 
90 
65 

65 
45 
40 
55 
80 
40 
60 
40 
00 
15 
25 
65 
20 
15 
10 
65 
05 

25 
15 

75 



THE HOT STRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



Joliet, Ills 29 05 

Jacksonville, Ills 23 50 

Jackson, Mich 36 00 

Kalamazoo, Mich 34 40 

Kingston, Ga 29 90 

Knoxville, Term 30 40 

Keokuk, Iowa 25 90 

Kansas City, Mo 31 65 

La Crosse, Wis 36 60 

Lafayette, Ind 28 80 

Louisville, Ky 25 40 

Lancaster, Pa 43 40 

Leavenworth, Kansas 32 15 

Logansport, Ind 29 80 

London, Canada 30 65 

Lexington, Ky 29 15 

Lexington, Ya 44 65 

Lynchburg, Va 39 65 

Milwaukee, Wis 33 15 

Memphis, Tenn 9 90 

Montgomery, Ala 27 15 

Macon, Ga 36 90 

Meridian, Miss 24 70 

Mobile, Ala 31 55 

Madison, Wis 24 25 

Mansfield, Ohio 34 90 

Marietta, Ohio 35 80 

Maryville, Kansas 37 75 

Mattoon, Ills 24 65 

Meadville, Pa 39 15 

Michigan City 31 85 

Mexico, Mo 25 55 

Minneapolis, Minn 44 15 

Montreal, Canada 49 65 

Nashville, Tenn.., 21 70 

New York 46 15 

New Orleans 26 40 

Niagara Falls 41 15 

New Haven, Ct 47 40 

Omaha, Neb 36 15 

Ottumwa, Iowa 28 15 

Oswego, Neb 44 85 

Oshkosh, Wis 36 35 

Oxford, Miss 15 70 

Philadelphia, Pa 44 15 

Pittsburg, Pa 39 15 



Peoria, Ills 24 90 

Providence, R. 1 48 15 

Portland, Me 52 05 

Pittsfield, Mass 46 90 

Pana, Ills 23 40 

Paducah, Ky 19 45 

Parkersburg, W. Va 36 49 

Quincy, Ills 23 65 

Quebec, Canada 53 65 

Richmond, Va 46 15 

Racine, Wis 32 30 

Rochester, N\ Y 42 5." 

Rome, N. Y 44 15 

Richmond, Ind 29j 55 

Rock Island, Ills 28 15 

Raleigh, N. C 45 49 

Rome, G a 29 90 

Sacramento, Cal 137 15 

St. Paul, Minn 41 35 

St. Joseph, Mo 31 65 

San Francisco, Cal 137 15 

Sandusky, Ohio 35 93 

Saratoga, N. Y 45 90 

Savannah, Ga 43 95 

Selma, Ala 27 70 

Springfield, Ills 27 60 

Stubenville, Ohio 38 15 

Syracuse, N. Y 43 65 

Sioux City, Iowa 41 30 

Sedalia, Mo 28 15 

Springfield, Mass 47 40 

Troy,N. Y 45 15 

Toronto, Canada 42 15 

Toledo, Ohio 34 65 

Tallahassie, Fla 55 15 

Terre Haute, Ind. 26 30 

Topeka, Kansas 34 50 

Urbana, Ohio 31 35 

Utica, N. Y 44 40 

Union City, Tenn 16 40 

Vincennes, Ind 25 60 

Vicksburg, Miss 22 90 

Washington, D. C 42 15 

Wheeling, W. Va 37 80 

Wilmington, Del 44 15 

Wilmington, N. C 47 15 



84 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



THE NEW COUNTY OE GAELAND. 

By an Act of the General Assembly of Arkansas, approved April 
5th, 1873, parts of Saline, Hot Spring and Montgomery counties were 
organized into a new county, and named Garland. By the 5th sec- 
tion of said Act, L. B. Beldin, J. H. Baushousen and William Sump- 
ter are constituted and appointed a Board of Commissioners to locate 
the seat of justice of said county ; to purchase or receive a donation 
of land to the county, whereon to locate the seat of justice, and to 
lay out the lands so purchased or received into town lots, etc. 

In compliance with these instructions, and clothed with this author- 
ity, they located the county seat one mile south of the center of the 
town of Hot Springs, joining the reservation of the United States, 
on which the Hot Springs are located. They received from the 
former owner of the land one-fourth of all the lots which were laid out 
on eighty acres of land. Mr. J. B. Ward (former owner) and Mr. 
G. G. Lotta are now the proprietors of the new town. The location 
is one of the best to be had near the Springs and off the reservation. 
If there should be a final settlement of the lands in the Government 
reservation, and one that would permit the sale of the lands, the city 
of Hot Springs would be built upon them, and not at the county seat 
of Garland. The valley and open country between the Springs and 
the new town will furnish room for a town of 20,000 to 50,000 peo 
pie. Individuals may build private residences in the new town, for 
a man of family wants a home of his own, without any other party 
or the Government having any claim upon it. Should there be no 
settlement for years, the new town will grow and prosper. 



NATIONAL S0LDIEES' AND SAIL0ES' HOME. 

Hot Springs, Ark., January, 1874. 
Chas. Cotter, Esq. : 

I have the honor to request a small space in your History of the 
Hot Springs of Arkansas, to call the attention of the legislative de- 
partment of the government of the United States to them as the 
most suitable place in America for the establishment of an Infirmary, 
entitled the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 85 

There are many thousands of brave soldiers and sailors who are 
suffering, and passing a life that is not only a burden, but a misery- 
worse than death. The chronic-diseased and afflicted public 
servants and officers could be cured and benefited by the intelligent 
use of these thermal waters. Their ills, wounds and rheuma- 
tism have been incurred from exposure to the perils of war and the 
bloody battle fields, where their countless comrades, free from pain, 
sleep, enshrouded in the robos of patriotic honor and immortality. 
There is a pathos for the fallen braves that touches the admiration 
and sympathy of every American citizen; and if their voices were 
sounded, they would swell spontaneously, from all sections of this 
great Republic, in exclamations of honor and respect. 

Something more tangible and useful is necessary for the poor 
afflicted wounded and diseased survivors. A home in the mountain- 
highlands of Arkansas, where they can be mails comfortable, if not 
sound and well, is a but a benevolent duty of their country, and a 
sojourn for a short time here would restore to duty the invaluable 
services of many soldiers, sailors and officers of the army and navy. 

Such an institution ought to be established, and can be done, and 
permanently maintained without one dollar of cost ultimately to the 
government or indkluals. Trusting that this mere hint will go 
home to every American citizen, I shall content myself by appealing 
to the reprsentative men of the nation, through the friendly journals, 
to take into consideration and avail themselves of this God send gift. 
These Mountains possess Sulphur, Chalybeate and Alkaline springs 
so near that they can be daily visited for their natural medicated 
waters. The examples of cures that have resulted from the 
use of the thermal waters of the Hot Springs, and the cold mineraj 
springs adjacent, are sufficient to have given them an unrivalled repu- 
tation throughout the world. 

I am, respectfully, 

T; J. REID, M. D. 



86 THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 



CHARITY. 

The need of some charitable institution at the Hot Springs has 
long been felt, and the time has come when there should be a united 
effort made to secure one, or more. It is impossible to describe the 
misery experienced by hundreds of poor invalids, who resort to 
these Springs to be cured of some of the many dieases that are suc- 
cessfully treated here. They come without money or friends; are 
either unable to work or cannot find employment, and are necessi- 
tated to beg or steal. Many are too honest and proud to do either. 
Those who beg, find many generous hearts ready and willing to ex 
tend a helping hand, and a few who deny them even a cracker. The 
citizens of the Valley have had so many poor invalids to provide for, 
that the most sympathising become hardened, or, by their liberality, 
have given ail they have or can afford to give. It is not the duty of 
a i'ew to care for these unfortunate sufferers, but the duty of the 
entire community to provide a place for them, where they can remain 
and be oarod for until they are cured. It is the duty of every State and 
the United States to make some provision for this class of their citi- 
zens, and not allow the burden to be borne by a few hundred that 
live in this Valley. But with the united effort of all, whose duty it 
is, or should be, to provide aid and comfort for suffering humanity, 
the great and good work can be done. 

THE DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT. 

The Government should take immediate steps to build a Hospital 
for the soldiers and sailors who are diseased by any of the long list 
that can here be cured or benefited. If these four sections of land, on 
which the Hot Springs are situated, belong to the Government, they 
can reserve twenty, forty or more acres for such use; and, by leasing 
the balance for a long term of years, create a fund sufficiently large 
to build and maintain an institution that would accommodate thous- 
ands of invalids. If they belong to either of the claimants, pay them 
for their title, and keep the waters of these wonderful Springs ftxi 
(what the Congress of 1832 intended they should be) the use of the 
people. 

THE DUTY OF THE STATE GOVERNMENTS. 

An appropriation of one thousand dollars by each of the States 
annually would build and maintain a public institution for the accom- 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE. 87 



raodation of invalids from all the States. The cities and counties 
could send their invalids, which fill their hospitals and poor-houses, 
to such an institution here, and save money by the humane opera- 
tion. There are thousands in the different city hospitals, afflicted 
with diseases that can only be cured by the use of these waters. They 
are an expense to the cities and counties that will countinue until 
they die, when, by sending them here, most of them would get well, 
and become useful citizens. The difference, in a financial view, is in 
favor of a general Hospital here, (for a certain class of diseases), to 
say nothing of the benefit to suffering humanity. 

THE DUTY OF THE CITIZENS AND VISITORS OF THIS VALLEY. 

A very small donation by every citizen and visitor would furnish 
a home for those who have not the means to pay for hotel or board- 
ing house accommodations. From the local sources, a fund can be 
realized sufficient to purchase materials to erect and furnish an ins i- 
tution that would shelter and care for these unfortunate individuals. 
Amoni»- them there are mechanics who would be glad to giVe their 
time and services ^re^ of charge, provided they were cared for until 
such a home was finished. Let the commencement be ever so small, 
it must result in good, and can be increased from time to time, as 
circumstances require or justify. 

It is to be hoped that some of the old citizens will make a move in 
this matter, that will result in the establishment of some institution 
that will furnish a home for the poor invalid. 

If the people here do their duty, it will not be long before the State 
and Federal governments will see the importance of action, and 
cause the erection of infirmaries of such dimensions that will result 
in the building here of a large city. 



Errata. — The hurry of publishing caused several typographical errors — 
especially in the word "benefited." The indulgence of the reader is re- 
spectfully solicited. 



INDEX 



PAGK 

Dedication . , 3 

Preface , 5 

The Hot S p rings 7 

xVs a Resort for Invalids 18 

Hot Springs as a Resort for Ladies 23 

Personal Experience 25 

Other Mineral Springs 28 

The Climate and Health of the Country 31 

The Medical Profession 33 

Bathing 34 

The Early Settlement of Hot Springs 38 

The Town of Hot Springs 41 

The Hotels 44 

Hot Springs as a Place of Business 50 

Hot Springs Hone and Whetstone 52 

The Crystal Mountain and Magnet Cove 56 

Who Own the Hot Springs 64 

The adjacent Country 79 

Lands of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company 80 

How to get to Hot Springs 81 

Railroad Fare from Principal Points T: 82 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Home — New County of Garland 84 

Charity, and the Duty of the Government 86 

Advertisements 89 



ADVERTISEMENT — HOTEL. 89 



E. Q. GIBBON. D. KIRKPATRICK. 



Grand Centra! Hot el 



SITUATED AT THE UPPER END OF THE VALLEY, 

NEW HOUSE, 

NEW FURNITURE, 

NEW BEDDING, 

NEW CARPETS. 
CLEAN HOUSE, 

CLEAN ROOMS, 

CLEAN BEDDING, 

CLEAN COOKING. 

EVERY ROOM IX THE HOI SE PLASTERED. 

BAR ROOM, 

BARBER SHOP, 

READING ROOM, 

WASH ROOM. 

BATH HOUSE. 



ALL THE CONVENIENCES ATTACHED TO THIS HOTEL, 



WE BATHE ONLY THE LODGING GUESTS OF THE HOUSE, 
Separate Bath Rooms for Ladies 



FIRST-CLASS HOUSE, 
FIRST-CLASS ROOMS, 

FIRST-CLASS LIVING, 

FIRST- CLASS SERVANTS, 

FIRST- CLASS A TTENTIO N. 

THE FIRST-GLASS HOTEL- 
E. Q. GIBBON & GO., Proprietors. 

HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 



90 ADVERTISEMENTS HOTEL. 



Hot Springs Hotel. 



CARHART & CO., 

(Successors to Stite and Lewis) 

Proprietors. 



Have plastered, painted, remodeled and refurnished the house in the best 
style, and are fully prepared to give the 



Traveling Public and People Visiting the Springs 

Every comfort and accoommodation to be had in the 

BEST HOTELS IN THE COUNTRY, 

It being twice as large as any other Hotel in the Valley, and has all the 

MODERN IMPROVEMENTS. 



Hot and Cold Water is conducted through the house in pipes. Bells in all 
the rooms. Telegraph in the office. 



BILLIARD-ROOM, BAR-ROOM All BARBER-SHOP 



attached. Also the 



ELEGANT BATH-HOUSE 

of Huffman & Hamilton, giving every style of bath without exposure to 
the guests. The Hotel will be opened for the public on the first day of 
February, 1874. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 91 



1874, the 1874, 



Hit Sifimf s Tin 



A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER, DEVOTED TO 

Politics, Literature and 

General Intelligence- 

An advocate of the right of a people who own the 
country to govern it. 

Published at Hot Springs, Arkansas, every Saturday morning, at $2.00 per year, in advance. 

Address, PHIL. H. GATEWOOD, 

Hot Springs, Ark. 



Ralph L Goodrich, 



United States Commissioner 



-FOR THE- 



EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, 



Office — In United States Court-rooms, corner Main and Fourth Streets, Little Rock, Arkansas. 



92 ADVERTISEMENTS GENERAL MERCHANDISE 






DEALER IN 



General Merchandise 

Opposite the Grand Central Hotel, 

HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 



A specialty made in 

OP EVERY DESCRIPTION, SUCH AS 

TOWELS, SOAPS FLESH BRUSHES, ETC., ETC. 

Also a full line of choice 
LIQUORS, CIGARS, TOBACCOS, CANNUD GOODS, 

And everything suitable for the tastes and comfort of the traveling public. 



BERNARD BROWN. JOHN C. DARR, 



DEALERS IN 

STAPLE AND FANCY^ DRY GOODS, 

ustotiohsts, clothiitg, 

And a large assortment of Bathing Suits, Blankets and Towels. 

Ne ara!;dS"i H H S. an<1 } HOTS SPRINGS ARKANSAS. 



IE_ BURGATJEH, 



DEALER IN 



DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, 

A Large Line of Bathing Out-fits for Visitors. 

Next Door to Rector House, Hot Springs, Ark. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. . 93 



J. M. BLAKE, 

Jeweler and Watchmaker, 

In Rockafellow's Drug Store, Hot Springs, Ark., keeps on band a fine stock of 

Jewelry, Watches, Clocks, Silverware, Scotch Spectacles, Ete, 

Makes a specialty of the finest Hot Springs Diamond Jewelry. Sets, Charms, 
etc., for both Ladies and Gents. Watches, Clocks and Jewelry repaired and 
warranted. Money loaned on collateral security. 

F. HORTON. T. I. HARRIS 



GROCERS, 

Opposite the Earl House. Keep a choice stock of 

Dryed and Potted Meats, Jellies, Preserves, JPickles 
and Canned Goods. 

Travelers, Fishing Parties and Pic-nics supplied. Fresh Crackers Fruits and 
Confections received every week. 

Bathing Outfits, Gents Furnishing Goods & Notions. 



Hot Springs and Little Rock, Ark. Dealers in 

GENERAL MERCHANDISE. 

Hot Springs Branch Keeps a Full Line of Bathing Goods, Caned 
Goods, Jellies, Etc., for Visitors. 

Store at the upper end of the Valley, above the Grand Central Hotel. 



CINCINNATI HOUSE. 

C. O. MACLISH, Proprietor. 



First-class Fare for about half price. Board $35 to $50 per month. 

This House is pleasantly located and convenient to baths. 
HOT SPRINGS, ... - ARKANSAS. 



94 ADVERTISEMENTS HOTELS. 

ZELk-IRJI. IHIOTTSIE 

Near Post-Office and Bath Houses. 



J3TFIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS AT LIVING RATES, 



Hacks teave this Hotel E Yery Hay for the Celebrated 

Wimm VALLEY SPROTGS 

P. E. GKEEN, Proprietor 

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 

Mountain Valloy Springs 

TWELVE MILES FROM HOT SPRINGS. 



One of the most Beautiful Resorts in the State, 

FOR HEALTH OR PLEASURE. 



DAILY HACK TO AJSTJD FROM HOT SPRINGS 



These Springs belonging to the Proprietor of the Earl House, at Hot 

Springs, Visitors have the privilege of boarding at either place, 

and can change as often as they please, by paying Hack 

fare. No other extra charge. 



PROFESSIONAL CARDS. 95 



GW. LAWRENCE., M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs, 
. Arkansas. 

PH. ELLSWORTH, M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs, 
• Arkansas. 



A LMON BROOKS, M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs, Ar- 



kansas. 



SIDNEY W. FRANKLIN, M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs, 

O Arkansas. 



T. 



J. REID, M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs Arkansas. 



D. 



B. FOWLER, M. D., Resident Physician, Hot Springs, Arkansas. 



H 



ENRY C. HOWARD, Resident Dentist, Hot Springs, Arkansas. 



DR. J. B. ROWLAND, Dentist, of Little Rock, Ark., will visit the 
Springs during the season, and be prepared to performm all opera- 
tions for Diseased Gums, Ulcers, Tumors of the Mouth, Cleft Palate and 
anything pertaining to the art and science of dentistry. 

^ANTHONY IbLOUSeT 

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. 

J. J. Clendenin, ) p . 

7 > Proprietors. 

G. N. Peay, J 

ALLEN'S VARIETY STORE 

— AND — 

NEWS DEPOT. 

Books, Magazines, Periodicals, Newspapers, Stationery, etc. ; Cutlery 

and Fine Toilet Articles; Playing Cards, Games, etc. Bathing 

Outfits, all Grades and Prices. Gents' Furnishing Goods. 

HOT SPRINGS, ------- - ARK- 



96 ADVERTISEMENTS — MISCELLANEOUS. 



W. C. O'BRYON & CO., 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 



Dry Goods, Groceries, Provisions, 

Hardware, Saddlery, Boots, Shoes, Can Goods, Tobacco, 
Cigars, Wines, Liquors, Etc., Etc. 

oh^&X...} HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 

EmmLowORtrTsfoRE, 

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 

DRUGS CHEMICALS, TOILET AND FANCY ARTICLES, 

Perfumer r, Stationery, Turkish Bath Towels, Etc, 

Physicians' Prescriptions Compounded at all Hours, 

Dl PTII n ro i qi ptii n rp i If you want good pictures ' s° to 
lib I Unto ! nUunto! Kennedy's art gallery, 

JNTo. 105 Main street, Hot Springs, Ark., 

Where you can also find a large collection of Large, Small and Sterescopic 

Views of Hot Springs and surrounding country. 



T 



J r LARGEST and MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT ok 

"' Bath Furnishing Goods 

To . e found in the City, at the Post-Office. 

SS. <J. LAW. 

M- W. FECHEIMER^ ~ 

COMMISSION MERCHANT 

And Dealer in Provisions, Liquors, Tobacco, Etc. 

OPPOSITE GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 

STATT'S BATH HOUSE! 

OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE, HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 

Bathing at half-price— 25 cts. per Bath, or 21 Baths for $5,00. 

BUSH 4fe FANXItf, Proprietors. 



ADVERTISEMENTS MISCELLANEOUS. 97 

LIVERY, SALE AND FEED STABLE 

AND 

opposition nSga, 

Between Malvern and Hot Springs. 

JOHN J. GILLIS, Proprietor. 



Floyd House, 

(opposite the Depot.) MALVERN, AH K. 

Hot Springs Passengers have ample time for Breakfast. Meals, 50 cents, to be 

had at all hours. House on left side of Railroad going south. Save 25 

cents, and get a better Breakfast than can be had elsewhere for 75 cts. 



SAMMONS HOUSE. 
S. A. SAIOIOXS, Proprietor. 

Location one of the pleasantest in the Valley. Entertainment at 
living prices. Free ride to Bath Houses. 

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS, 

T_ IP. CRIM'S 
LONE TREE GROCERY STORE. 

^"'Dealer in Fancy and Staple Groceries, Choice Liquors and Fine Cigars. ~*MM 
Cheapest Goods in the Market for Cash. 



cr_ L. ib_ o^vheir,, 

DEALER IN 

Dry Goods, Groceries, Provisions, Tobacco, Cigars, Etc, 

WE SELL CHEAP FOR CASH. 



WESTERN HOTEL, 

HOT SPRINGS, ARK. 

Bath Room Within ten steps of the House.^jpjj 
BOARD AND ROOM, $50.00 PER MONTH. 

This House is located in the center of the Valley. 



BUSINESS CARDS. 



&EEX. BRUEER. 

BILLIARD HALL AND SALOON, Hot Springs, Arkansas. 



JIRCJIB1JM S.HEOOJY 

[AR 

Arkansas. 



4 ND BILLIARD HALL, J. E. Ward, Proprietor, Hot Springs, 



HOT SPRiJVGS HOTEL, BATH-HOUSE. 

mHR LARGEST AND BEST IN THE VALLEY. Huffman & 
_L Hamilton. Proprietors. 



VARAJYBA REST.lfJR.MJYT. 

A. HQUE 

'ings, Ark. 



MEALS AT ALL HQURS OF THE DAY, by Mrs. S. J. Ander- 
son, Hot Sprii 

E. WooEJfKJMY. 

p RIST, SAW AND PLANING MILL, one-quarter of a mile below 
VT Hot Springs Hotel. 

G UMJTJY HO USE. 

IOUTH END OF THE VALLEF, C. R. Guinn, Proprietor, Hot 
Ark. 



OOUTH I 

kJ Springs, 



P. J. HEEJUrEV. 
TJOUSE AND SIGN PAINTER, Paper Hanger, Etc., Etc. 



STRICKEA.YB HOUSE, 

D I 
Springs, Ark. 



TTOTEL AND RESTAURANT, F. T. Strickland, Proprietor, Hot 



A. W. H. RE EH. 

SIGN WRITER. Orders left at T. P. Crim's Grocery Store will be 
attended to. 

J. ir. KI.MBEEE. 

DEALER IN STAPLE AND FANCY DRY-GOODS, Notions, 
Clothing, Groceries, Provisions, Queens ware, Etc., Few doors 
below Hot Springs Hotel. 



PATRICK J. EEDEWIBGE, 

CTOR of all Carp* 
with neatness and dispatch. 



CONTRACTOR of all Carpenter and Cabinet Works. Work done 



THAD. TAYLOR. WM - GRAY. 

1HAH. TAYEOR & CO*. 

DEALERS IN DRY-GOODS, GROCERIES AND HARDWARE. 
Also, Hats, Caps, Boots and Shoes. Bathing Outfits, complete, 
always on hand. 



ADVERTISEMENTS BUSINESS CARDS. 99 



HOT SPRINGS BUSINESS CARDS. 



GERJlEttJY HOUSE, 



TOHN KUBLER, Proprietor. 



.JflRS. F. T. MORRIS. 

ILL1NERY AND DRESS MAKING Fancy Goods, Trimmings, 
1VJL Etc. Dresses Cut, Fitted and neatly Made, at sho»*t notice. 

MRS. JF. E. SHITE E. 

PRIVATE BOARDING HOUSE. Upper Valley, just above Grand 
Central Hotel. 

S. C. RUCMEMJV.W. 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCERIES. Opposite Hot 
Springs Hotel. 



D 



RUGGIST AND CHEMIST. Opposite the Hot Springs Hotel. 



JOH.Y El S HER 

PRIVATE BOARDING HOUSE. North end of the Valley. 

S.1HEER HOUSE. 

FIRST HOTEL on left side of Stage road, coming from Malvern 
George Sadler, Proprietor. 

F. B.MRJYES <f SOWS. 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS in Fine Ouachita Oil Stones 
and Arkansas Hones Messrs. Barnes <fe Sons have been over 
Twenty-six Years in the business, and were awarded the First Premium 
at the Arkansas State Fair. For neatness and accuracy of finish, they 
have no superior in the United States. 

JOHJYJMTHJMJT HR.1JYTEEW 

DEALER IN FAMILY GROCERIES AND COUNTRY PRO- 
duce Situated in the South end of the Valley. 

PHIEEMP Ji. HEEERICH. 

BOOT AND SHOE MAKER, Gentlemen's fine Boots made to 
order. 

.1. J\ATHJ[.Y# CO. 

/GENERAL DEALERS in Imported and Domestic Wines, Liquors 
VT and Cigars. Private Sample Room in rear of Store. 



th: :e 


Hot springs 


AS THEY ARE. 


! 

A HISTORY AND GUIDE. 

1 


By (HARL£N CUTTER. 


PRICE, 50 OE]STTS. j 


i 

UfTLE ROCK, ARK.: 
W» n\ WINDSOR, BOOK xVNl) JOB PRINTER. 

1874. 

i 
| 



CtmSE'S COREESPOUDING BUHEAU! 



ALL LETTERS OF INQUIRY PROMPTLY ANSWERED, 



Correspondence Strictly Confidential. 



Through us you can engage Board, Rooms, Houses, Stores, Hacks to 

meet you at Depot, Servants, Situations, and have business matters generally 
transacted. 

Invalids wishing a room secured at hotels or private boarding-houses, 
must send money to pay board or room rent in advance for a few days, and 
in passing Little Rock, inform us by telegraph the time you expect to arrive, 
if you have not done so by letter, and your room will be in readiness for 
your reception. This is an important item to an invalid. Through the busy 
season, hacks frequently drive around town a half hour looking for some 
place to leave the invalid passenger, who is very glad to find a place of rest 
after a stage ride of twenty-one miles. 

Parties wishing to spend the summer at the Springs with their families, 
can have a house built and furnished, ready for housekeeping, on short no- 
tice. We will build a neat cottage, with three or four rooms, and furnish it 
plain, but neatly, complete for housekeeping, for from three to five persons? 
and rent it to any party who will pay six months' rent in advance ($600), 
This will enable a family to live at home and at half the expense of board- 
ing at hotels. 

Any one in need of information not found in this book, can receive it by letter 
(if it is to be obtained) through our Corresponding Bureau. 

OUR, TERMS : 

Twenty-five cents to S1.00 per letter, according to the value of information: 

$1.00 to $10.00 for transacting business. 

«6S*A.ll Letters must contain Fees to insure Attention.^* 

Any one not able to pay, who will so state in his letter, enclosing stamp, 
will receive a reply as promptly as though it contained the regular fee. 
Address 

CUTTER & CO., 

Hot Springs. Ark. 



CUTTER'S INTELLIGENCE OFFICE. 



Situations for all in Want of Employment, 

MALE AND FEMALE, WHITE AND COLORED 



Any citizen in need of help of any kind can be supplied free of charge by 
applying at this office. 

Hook- Keepers, Clerks, 

Servants, Cooks, 

If rivers, iVooil- Choppers, 

Farm Hands, Etc., Etc 



"TOST" 



Tekms — Fifty cents for recording name, business desired, etc. One dollar 
extra when a situation is secured. 

If you are a Mechanic, Merchant, Trader, or understand any business or trade, 
and have a capital of $50 to $500, write to or call on us, and we will inform you 
if there is any opening by which yon can pay all your expenses while here. 
Write before you start from home, as we may advise your bringing tools, mer- 
chandise, etc. We will use our very best judgment in giving such advise, and 
may enable you to spend several months here and be employed in some business 
that will pay all expenses, and possibly a profit. By this means hundreds can 
come who would not otheswise be able. When a party is ready to leave, we 
will find some one to buy him out and take his place. 

CUTTER &l CO., 

Hot Springs, Ark. 



CUTTER & CO. 

REAL ESTATE BROKERS 

— AND— 

G-EITERAL Hj-^ZlnTID AGENTS 



We will Buy, Sell and Rent 

HOUSES, LANDS AND FARMS. 

We will assist settlers in securing land of the Government, State or Railroad — 
through Homestead, Pre-emption or Purchase. Our fees will be reasonable, and 
by attention to business Ave hope to merit success. 

CUTTER & CO., 

Hot Springs, Ark. 



#- *3 



THE HOT SPRINGS AS THEY ARE 



A HISTORY AND GUIDE. 



Bv CHARLES CUTTEH. 



The publication of this book was caused by the need of some work that 
combined all the information desired by the public, especially the invalid, 
regarding these wonderful Springs, and the cures effected by the use of the 
thermal waters. 

CONTENTS : 

Description of the Hot Springs. 

List of diseases cured or benefited. 

Other Mineral Springs of Garland county. 

The Climate and Health of the country. 

Hot Springs as a resort for Ladies. 

Bathing and Bathing Houses. 

Hotels and Boarding Houses. 

The Early Settlement of Hot Springs. 

How to get there, and the cost. 

Hot Springs as a place of Business. 

Geology of the Valley and adjacent country, etc., etc. 
Very little is known of these Springs by the public iri general, alid m 
great is the desire for such information, that orders for 2000 copies were re- 
ceived before the book was taken from the^press. The first edition of 5000 
will soon be exhausted. A second edition of 10,000 will be printed in 
March or April, 1874, which will be much improved, enlarged and beauti- 
fully illustrated with views of the Hot Springs Valley. 

terms: 

One copy, by mail, prepaid $ 50 

Ten copies, by mail, prepaid 4 50 

Fifty copies, by express 20 00 

One Hundred copies, by express 35 00 

One Thousand copies, by express 300 00 

All orders must be accompanied by postal order, or draft. 

CUTTER & CO., Hat Springs, Ark. 












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